wedding trends 2016

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Alisha and Corey __________________ 14

Cady and gavin __________________ 20

Courtney and Caitlin _______________ 25

Caitlin and Jeff ___________________ 29

Alisa and Ali _____________________ 32

Julia and Matthew _________________ 35

Micheline and Jim _________________ 38

sarah and sean ___________________ 42

danielle and tyler _________________ 47

Katelyn and Jon ___________________ 53

sheyndl and tyrone ________________ 56

danna and Matt __________________ 60

Kirsten and Joshua _________________ 64

Vicky and Mike ___________________ 68

Chantal and Josef _________________ 72

stephanie and gareth ______________ 76

samantha and gregory _____________ 82

Lacey and Christopher _____________ 86

wendy and Michael ________________ 90

Chantal and david ________________ 94

renee and Matt ___________________ 98

Megan and daniel _________________101

Justine and Brendan ______________ 104

Laura and Alex __________________ 108

Andrea and Kevin _________________112

theresa and tyler _________________114

Real Weddings

O N T H E C O V E RJenn kavanagh Photography

dress: sash & BustleHair by: ashley shantz

Makeup by: Meg Collettflorist: rural roots flower Co.

groom’s attire: Moores Clothing for Menlocation: lazy dayz Bed & Breakfast,

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Vicky and Mike ___________________ 68

Chantal and Josef _________________ 72

stephanie and gareth ______________ 76

samantha and gregory _____________ 82

Lacey and Christopher _____________ 86

wendy and Michael ________________ 90

Chantal and david ________________ 94

renee and Matt ___________________ 98

Megan and daniel _________________101

Justine and Brendan ______________ 104

Laura and Alex __________________ 108

Andrea and Kevin _________________112

14R E A L W E D D I N G S

Real WeddingsReal WeddingsAlisha and Corey __________________ 14

Cady and gavin __________________ 20

Courtney and Caitlin _______________ 25

Caitlin and Jeff ___________________ 29

Alisa and Ali _____________________ 32

Julia and Matthew _________________ 35

Micheline and Jim _________________ 38

sarah and sean ___________________ 42

danielle and tyler _________________ 47

Katelyn and Jon ___________________ 53

sheyndl and tyrone ________________ 56

danna and Matt __________________ 60

Kirsten and Joshua _________________ 64

Real WeddingsReal Weddings141414R E A L W E D D I N G S

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4 wedding trends 2016

G E T T I N G S TA R T E D 116 Bridal Etiquette133 The List: Your Wedding To-Do’s

T R E N D I N G 126 Surprise, We Are Getting Married!130 What’s New and Trending!

AT T I R E & B E A U T Y 118 Your Get Gorgeous Guide 122 A True Gentleman 124 Bridal Lingerie

129 Bridal Looks

B O N A P P É T I T 128 Top Trends In Food

G I F T S 120 Must Have Gifts 125 Thank You!

P L A N N E R 135 Wedding Trends Planner: 10 Pages Of Planning Tools & Online Tools at www.theweddingtrends.com

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G E T T I N G S TA R T E D 116 Bridal Etiquette133 The List: Your Wedding To-Do’s

T R E N D I N G 126 Surprise, We Are Getting Married!130 What’s New and Trending!

AT T I R E & B E A U T Y 118 Your Get Gorgeous Guide 122 A True Gentleman 124 Bridal Lingerie

129 Bridal Looks

B O N A P P É T I T 128 Top Trends In Food

G I F T S 120 Must Have Gifts125 Thank You!

P L A N N E R135 Wedding Trends Planner: 10 Pages Of Planning Tools & Online Tools at www.theweddingtrends.com

contents

P�annerT R E N D S

122120

122122130

135

Wedding Trends Planner: 10 Pages Of Planning Tools

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6 WEDDING TRENDS 2016 2016 WEDDING TRENDS 7

SimplyExceptional

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Barrie’s newest and most distinct event facility.Simply the perfect venue for your once-in-a-lifetime event.

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Publisher Dana Robbins

General ManaGer, s iMcoe/york Shaun Sauve

editors Lori Martin Elise Allain

director of Production Kent Feagan

GraPhic desiGn Jennifer Dallman

Advertising inquiries:

alliston | AmAndA smug [email protected]

705-435-6228

barrie | innisf il | kim hArrison [email protected]

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coll inGwood | PAuLA Lehr [email protected]

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Midland | orill ia | kYLA BArron [email protected]

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Muskoka | roBYn mAtrAvers [email protected]

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Parry sound | JAnice heidmAn [email protected]

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editorial contributors Patti Vipond Lew Bayer

Sameer Chhabra Beth Wilson Victoria Feth Aliya Kanani

Metroland North Media21 Patterson Road, Barrie, ON L4N 7W6

Phone: 705-726-0573 | Fax: 705-721-8859follow us: @WeddingTrendsmagsimcoe.com | muskokaregion.com

Statements opinions and point of view expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, advertisers or

Wedding Trends Magazine.Wedding Trends Magazine is published once a year.

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8 wedding trends 2016 2016 wedding trends 9

at t e n t i o n P h oto G r a P h e r s a n d b r i d e s ! ! Would you like to see your Wedding

featured in our next issue?email me a few photos (under 5 mb) along with a paragraph about the couple and the location to:

[email protected] subject line Wedding trends Magazine.

if your wedding is selected, we will contact you for more information.

You’re engaged!What an exciting time! In just a few months, you will celebrate one of the most

important days in your life with the person you love. Between today and your wed-ding day, however, you have many decisions to make and much planning to do.

Wedding Trends 2016 highlights some of the finest and unique weddings of the past year, hosted right here in Simcoe-Muskoka.

With 26 couples featured, this edition shares personal insight on details and special moments you may want to incorporate into your wedding.

Whether you are looking for a casual lakeside affair, or an extravagant formal setting, each wedding walks you though the highlights of each day.

In planning one of the most significant days of your life, you want to get it right. You also want it to reflect who you really are and what will ultimately make it spe-cial for you and your soon-to-be partner.

Throughout this edition we highlight venues throughout Simcoe County, Muskoka, Parry Sound and Grey Bruce to provide the perfect backdrop for your day, along with all of the details, many sourced locally to create the dream wed-ding.

In addition, we provide food for thought on the many decisions you need to make from selecting a cake, flowers, location, type of ceremony and more, as well as a planner to help you keep track of every detail.

We wish you all things fabulous and lovely to make your day exactly what you have always wanted. Enjoy Wedding Trends and watch for our digital edition on Simcoe.com and MuskokaRegion.com.

elise allain

[email protected]

follow us @weddingdreams11

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Pages 14-115

2016 WEDDING TRENDS 13

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I Alisha & CoreytHe A rt OF M A r r iAge

BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER A ISLING T URTLE , OA K A ND M Y RRH PHOTOGR A PH Y

in 2002, alisha east and Corey Mackenzie were grade 12 students at different high schools but worked part-time at the same tim Hortons shop in Barrie.

They separately decided to attend Wilfred Laurier University, and dated during their fi rst year. A year later, the two former tim’s employees went their separate ways, but not forever.

“We always stayed connected and had mutual friends,” said alisha, now a grade 7 and 8 teacher in Barrie. “Corey was in thunder Bay becoming a pilot. i was living in Montreal when we reconnected and began dating again in 2010. i think both of our families were always cheering for us.”

a long engagement gave the Barrie residents time to plan their ideal wedding. they booked their ceremony and reception at the city’s stunning Maclaren art Centre. alisha attended events at the welcoming and sophisticated space, and felt lucky to hold their wedding there. With high ceilings and natural light, the centre’s Carnegie Hall was an impressive place for their ceremony and reception.

“We chose the Maclaren for many reasons,” said alisha. “the architecture, beautiful brick walls and the archway into Carnegie Hall, plus the radio Café and patio for the cocktail hour, and proximity to the waterfront. above all, it was where our guests would feel comfortable, close to each other and us. Corey and i have always been art enthusiasts, so the >>

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Port Cunnington Lodge is the perfect venue for your big day. Our two day weddings give you the opportunityto spend unhurried time with your family and friends. Choose to say "I do" on our gazebo dock, with itsstunning views of Lake of Bays or in our newly renovated barn. Your guests can sip cocktails and nibble ondelicious hors d'oeuvres while your photographer is capturing your memories. Treat your guests to anawe-inspiring dinner prepared by Chef Eric Gagnon and then dance the night away. From small and simpleto large and lavish, we’ll tailor your experience to make your wedding dream become reality.

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whole feel of the space was meaningful to us and true to who we are. The staff at the MacLaren was fantastic!”

The bride had always hoped for a summer wedding. Their choice of July 12, 2014 gave guests travelling long distances a pleasant time to make the trip.

“Corey’s grandfather, aunt and aunt’s son came from Bermuda,” said Alisha. “My mom’s brothers and sisters travelled from Alberta and Manitoba, and my dad’s family came from all over Quebec. It was the first wedding for both of our families.”

The engagement was followed by a bachelorette party weekend in Montreal with maid of honour and sister Coralee East and bridesmaids Brittany Ford, Heather Chalmers and Lauren MacKenzie. Corey chose Jason Wilson as his best man and Jason Neely, Corey Allison and Jeremy East as his groomsmen.

With a romantic, classic vision for their day, Alisha and Corey chose simple décor for the ceremony and reception. Seats at the head table sported lace half-chair covers. Table centerpieces were summery with roses, baby’s breath and peonies in silver cups. Table numbers ranged from the year 1986 to 2012 with pictures of Alisha and Corey from each year.

As a remembrance, the bride and groom placed photos of themselves as children with their late grandparents on the fireplace mantle in Carnegie Hall.

At the ceremony, 120 guests watched Alisha and her wedding party walk up the aisle to cover versions of ‘Home’ by Vitamin String Quartet and ‘Yellow’ by Sarah Bareilles. The bridesmaids’ coral gowns by twobirds Bridesmaid let each woman tie the dress to suit their own style. Alisha was elegant in a strapless fit and flare gown with lace detailing from the bodice to the flared tulle skirt. Pink >>

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DetailsJewellery/ring design Bride’s rings: noam Carver Bridal by Crownring; groom’s ring: Crownring

Dress shopBride: Becker’s Bridal, toronto; Bridesmaids: twobirds Bridesmaids

Tux shop/men’s shop John Mcnabb Clothier, Barrie

Honeymoon /travel agentlaking and rhoades travel service, Barrie

Caterer Wildwood Hospitality, Barrie

Church/hallMaclaren art Centre, Barrie

Music/DJkeep them dancing:

dJ nick, Barrie

Hair stylist/MakeupHair: id studio, Barrie; Makeup: Jenni lin Makeup, Barrie

Invitationsanna Malie designs

Florist/RentalsPosh Beyond events, Barrie

Photographeraisling turtle, oak and Myrrh Photography

Table/guest favourshandmade monogrammed chocolates and homemade fudge and sucre a la crème

Wedding party gifts Men: leather wallets; Women: earrings and monogrammed leather clutches

peonies mingled with coral, white and light pink roses and seeded eucalyptus nestled in the bride’s bouquet.

for alisha, making her vows with her new husband was a standout from many memorable moments that day.

“it was very personal to take those vows,” said alisha. “We had a lot of love from everybody. i loved the cocktail hour on the main fl oor right after the ceremony. it was the freshest and best ‘just married’ feeling. all the pressure was off and Corey and i could just celebrate the day with everyone.”

Corey’s favourite part of the day were the speeches with their perfect mix of laughter and tears through humorous stories and emotional ones. Many speeches were made in english and French for the benefi t of the French-speaking guests.

“a highlight for the guests and myself was hearing Corey say part of his speech in french,” said alisha, noting Corey normally does not speak any french. “i think that was one of the best surprises for me.”

after the speeches, guests took to the dance fl oor to rock into the night to pop music, party hits, and some french pop hits for the Quebec guests.

We reconnected and began dating again in 2010. i think both of our families were always cheering for us.”

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G BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER SA M A NTH A ERIN PHOTOGR A PH Y

gavin Mclaughlin’s proposal to Cady Moyer was made in the perfect location for a woman with an art history degree, a future museum studies master’s degree and an obsession with artist Claude Monet.

“We were backpacking in europe and went to see Monet’s gardens at giverny, france – something i have dreamed of seeing,” said Cady, 24, whose wedding décor was based on her love of rococo art. “gavin proposed on the bridge overlooking the lake. He picked that spot because it’s where Monet would have stood to paint his famous paintings of the garden.”

gavin, 25, had Cady’s engagement ring designed and hired a photographer in Paris to covertly photograph the couple’s tour of Monet’s gardens and the proposal. the engagement came after a relationship that started with a fi rst date in Grade 8.

two years after the unique proposal, the couple married at gavin’s family’s horse boarding farm near Penetanguishene on aug. 1, 2015. The ceremony took place at the edge of a fi eld with a superb view of georgian Bay and Collingwood’s mountains.

“the farm is our most treasured place and Cady’s favourite spot in the world,” said gavin. “We wanted to share it with our loved ones, and felt so proud standing up in front of them. Cady wrote a poem about the farm and read it during the ceremony.”

Cady asked sister Chloe Moyer to be maid of honour. kate Wahl was gavin’s best man. Bridesmaid katie young, an award-winning pianist, provided a perfect playlist of piano pieces for the ceremony. katie also played ‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart’ for the couple’s fi rst dance.

To prepare the fi eld for the ceremony, boulders were pulled into a circle in the spring. in early summer, a ceremonial arch was woven from sumac trees.

“i decided not to have any other decorations so the arch and view of Georgian Bay would be the focal point,” explained Cady. “That fi eld is fi lled with Queen Anne’s Lace in summer. Helpers picked it that day to create runners on either side of the aisle.”

Cady’s mom and sister found her romantic 1930s antique wedding dress at Worth repeating in Bracebridge. the gorgeous gown, with a silver blue satin under layer and off-white lace overlay, was custom tailored into a subtle a-line with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a modifi ed sweetheart neckline. >>

Cady & gavinLOV e in MOnet's gA r dens

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The farm is our most treasured place and Cady's favourite spot in the world. We wanted to share it with our loved ones and felt so proud to be standing up in front of them”

“DetailsJewellery/ring design The Devil’s Workshop, Toronto; People’s Jewellers, Midland

Dress shop Worth Repeating, Bracebridge: 1930s antique wedding dress; Seams to Please, Midland: alterations Boutique 1861, Montreal: reception dress; Henkaa, Toronto: bridesmaids and best man

HeadpieceTwill n’ Thistle, Toronto

Tux shop/men’s shop Freeman Rentals: groomsmen; Indochino

AlterationsImperial Tailoring

Honeymoon/travel agentAir Canada Vacations

CatererUrban Acorn Catering, Toronto: also served Aunt Jan’s famous Caesar salad; Pizzaville, Midland: late night food Georgian Roots Events: s’mores cart, tea table, kettle chip station, candy table

Dessertsmini bundt rum cakes made by Cady, Katie and Mary Ann (groom’s mother); specialty desserts made by family members for dessert table

Church/hallCeltic Roots Equestrian

Music/DJKatie Young; Cady, bridesmaids and guests

Hair stylist/Makeup Danielle King, Penetanguishene: hair stylist for bridal party

FloristWedding party: Jack Pickett (Cady’s uncle); Centerpieces: Mary Ann (Gavin’s mother; Fresh, Midland: parents’ corsages and boutonnieres

RentalsHappenings Party Rentals: tent, basic rentals; Georgian Roots Events: décor and event planning, Georgian Bay Sanitation: washrooms

Photographer Samantha Erin Photography

Table/guest favours custom soaps with favourite scents by Mary Ann

Wedding party gifts Ladies: Spa packages from Cady, Men: Henkaa - Ties and pocket squares, Maid of honour: matching headpiece

Total cost of your wedding$20,544

Doorways into the spacious reception were framed with white curtains stamped with silver by the bride, and grapevine arches intertwined with silver ferns and white fl owers. Trees surrounded the centre poles and strings of soft lights stretched out across the ceiling. A wooden chandelier, made by Gavin from old split rails and electric pillar candles, illuminated the head table.

The intricate fi ligree look of Rococo in silver and navy accented the décor. An eclectic variety of family pitchers fi lled with blue and white wildfl owers and fl owers from Gavin’s mother’s garden added summer beauty to the tables.

“We used two silver vases belonging to my grandmothers – both couldn’t be there,” said Cady, who used many family heirlooms to honour their traditions and heritage. “From my Opa, who was a caterer, I had wooden carved bowls and dishes on the dessert table.”

Family members made their ‘specialties’ for the sweets table including butter tarts by Gavin’s aunt and apple pie by Cady’s aunt. Guests also enjoyed a late evening s’mores cart and kettle chip station.

At the end of the festivities, the bride and groom retired to a 1812-style Offi cers Tent in a farm fi eld. The cozy interior had antique rugs, brass lanterns, champagne, and a four-poster bed covered in rose petals.

“The maid of honour is involved in re-enacting the War of 1812, so she got the old-style tent,” said Gavin. “My sister and the bridesmaids put it together with our favourite things. They positioned the tent so when we woke up, we had the same kind of view as during our wedding ceremony. In the morning, we cuddled up, sipped champagne and watched the sunrise over the bay and the arch under which we were married.”

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H BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER TAY LOR JACKSON MEDIA

Hidden gems – places that are wonderful but tucked away – played signifi cant parts in the engagement and wedding of Caitlin Crawford and Courtney Enever. The Angus residents, both 25 years old, were married on May 9, 2015.

Courtney used the fi rst hidden gem on an Easter weekend trip to Niagara Falls. After walking the length of the falls, Courtney led Caitlin to a small hidden park with a tranquil pond, and proposed.

“People don’t know about this park so it was just the two of us,” recalled Caitlin. “We’d had conversations about getting engaged, starting about a month into our relationship. But it wasn’t in the cards for us then. When we fi nally became more established and he proposed, it was the right time.”

It was the right ring as well that Courtney carried with him. Caitlin loved a diamond ring with a vintage look she found on the most recent of many trips to Spence’s Jewellers to try on rings.

“I thought nothing of it because we had done it so many times,” said Caitlin. “Courtney called the store the next day and ordered the ring – a circle halo with a diamond in the middle.”

Caitlin’s maid of honour supplied the second hidden gem when she recommended Madsen’s Greenhouse in Newmarket for their ceremony and reception. When the couple saw the splendid outdoor chapel and greenhouse reception facility, they loved it.

“This hidden gem is breathtaking,” said Caitlin. “From the outside, it is a hole in the wall. But once you walk in, you are somewhere else. Not only was the venue beautiful, but the staff truly went above and beyond.”

With the greenhouse’s fl ora as natural decoration, the couple decided on a simple, elegant black and white décor theme.

Friends Jimmy and Stephanie, both wedding party members, introduced the couple in 2011 on a ski/snowboard day. Caitlin and Courtney were fresh out of long-term relationships and didn’t initially hit it off. But after a few days, Courtney made Caitlin a Facebook friend and they talked for the next three weeks.

“It’s safe to say we quickly fell in love and moved in together by June,” said Caitlin.

The couple made the brilliant outdoor wedding ceremony even more personal by choosing songs that held meaning in their lives. The bride walked with her father to her beloved to the song ‘Marry Me’ by Train.

“When we fi rst got together, that song was playing,” remembered >>

Courtney & CaitlinSIMPLE ELEGA NCE

When people wanted us to kiss, they had to ride a tricycle around the dance floor.”“

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Caitlin. “Courtney’s mom said to me, very early in our relationship, that would be our song.”

When they reached Courtney, something that had been a game between the groom and his new father-in-law became a sentimental part of the wedding ceremony.

“they had a game for years where they hid a york region keychain in random places like a gas cap or golf clubs,” said Caitlin. “My dad last found the keychain on his bike in florida last March. He decided right then to give it back to Courtney on his wedding day. as my dad shook his hand, the keychain was there. Courtney immediately started laughing. It defi nitely helped the two of them not to ‘lose it’. it is now proudly displayed in Courtney’s keys. We may pass it off when the fi rst grandchild comes. But now instead of being a joke, it is a very sentimental thing between them.”

in keeping with the black and white theme, the

wedding party was outfi tted entirely in black. to keep everyone safe on the greenhouse’s uneven cobblestone fl oor, the bride supplied black Converse shoes like the wedding white pair worn by herself and her groom. Caitlin’s wedding gown was a standout Vera Wang gown with a strapless black corset bodice contrasting with a full white skirt.

After a short ceremony, the offi ciant asked the newlyweds if they had any announcements. they turned to each other and announced to guests “the bar is open!” their 180 guests took the cue and joined the couple to start the night.

the couple’s kissing game required a tricycle ride.

“When people wanted us to kiss, they had to ride a tricycle around the dance fl oor,” said Caitlin. “We had people going for it like they owned it. it was a really fun, memorable day.”


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C BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER JENN K AVA N AGH PHOTOGR A PH Y

Chances are a wedding reception with a make-your-own Caesar bar is going to be quite the party. Bride Caitlin Moyer, 29, and groom Jeff Murray, 30, couldn’t agree more.

“We love Caesars and when we lived in Australia, they didn’t have clamato juice,” said Caitlin. “We were in withdrawal for a year.”

“We went to Costco and bought everything you could put in a Caesar for the cocktail hour,” added Jeff. “Guests still talk about my best man’s speech, Caitlin looking beautiful, the Smoke’s Poutine truck and the Caesar bar.”

It’s safe to assume that such delights warmed guests up after the couple’s outdoor wedding ceremony on Oct. 3, 2015. The day that turned out to be the coldest and rainiest of the month.

Caitlin and Jeff met in Australia in 2009. He moved there for teacher’s college. She joined a friend who moved to attend the same school. The fi rst party for Canadian students was at Jeff’s place. The future husband and wife hit it off immediately.

“We spent the night chatting about our hometowns, which are 1.5-hours apart,” Caitlin recalled. “On the way to a pub, I slipped and twisted my ankle. Jeff, ever the gentleman, carried me piggyback back to the hostel.”

Fast -forward to June 2014. Jeff has Caitlin’s engagement ring in his back pocket while fi shing on a camping trip near Brighton, Ont.

“I wanted to take Caitlin to a bench overlooking the river at sunset, but she wanted to go back to camp,” said Jeff. “We went back and I told her I was going to do something romantic for her. She thought that would be cooking dinner, so wasn’t thrilled. I read her a funny story about us that I wrote, and pulled out the ring beside the fi re. She was shocked.”

The couple wanted an outdoorsy barn wedding in the fall. When they saw the restored vintage barn and quaint guesthouse at Lazy Dayz Bed and Breakfast in Horseshoe Valley, it fi t the bill. The century barn’s lower level had a bar and space for dancing. Upstairs, a dining area with a large balcony overlooked pastoral property.

The only available day, Oct. 3, 2015, became their wedding date.

“It was perfect because they rent the barn and B&B as a package,” said Jeff. “The girls stayed at the B&B the night before and had a girls’ night.”

Reception decor complemented the rustic barn. Caitlin’s dad collected and fi lled antique mason jars with fresh fl owers from his garden for centerpieces. Jeff’s mom dried, painted and arranged hydrangea baskets for the outdoor ceremony’s aisle. Antique French doors, found curbside by Caitlin, made a striking backdrop for the three-tier wedding cake. >>

Caitlin & JeffLOV E FILLS A RUSTIC BA R N

One band member said he’s been to a lot of weddings, but never felt the love like tonight.”

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PhotographerJenn kavanagh Photography

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the bride chose a strapless light cream gown with lace bodice and darker cream chiffon waterfall skirt. She wore fresh fl owers in her hair and carried a fall bouquet of burgundy dahlias. the bridesmaids wore long navy blue dresses with strapped lace bodice, chiffon skirt and keyhole back.

at the appointed time, Jeff, best man tyler Mckelvey and groomsmen robbie Murray, J.P. Muldoon and Matt Stephens waited under a fl owered arch for the maid of honour kristy idzakovic, bridesman eugene gutierrez, bridesmaids Caitlin Brookbanks and Erin Clutton, fl ower girl/niece Vera Idzakovic and the bride. they came down the aisle to an acoustic version of the ronettes ‘Be My Baby’ by kelly davies.

“Just standing up and looking at each other was really emotional,” said Jeff, noting the best man dropped both wedding rings.

afterwards, guests headed to the Caesar bar and other delights before a sumptuous buffet dinner by shaw’s Catering. space heaters warmed things up, but when speakers used the microphone,

overworked breakers tripped. Jeff dutifully kept leaping up to switch the fuses back on. the glitch didn’t hamper the quality of the speeches.

“My best man’s speech was so good people are still talking about it,” said Jeff. “our MC introduced him as a comedian, and everyone thought he was. My brother also made a speech that made me really happy.”

after dancing to the dirty little swing things band all night, guests greeted the arrival of the smoke’s Poutine truck as a fi nale to the day.

“one band member said he’s been to a lot of weddings, but never felt the love like tonight,” said Jeff. “it was the people. they were all people we love who were there for us. they showed it and hopefully we showed it back to them.”

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Alisa & AliAdVentUrOUs LOVe stOrY

BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER JENNIFER K LEMENT TI PHOTOGR A PH Y

it was a very long journey from the sunshine Coast of australia to the village of Windermere on the shore of lake rosseau. But far-fl ung travel has always been part of Alisa Yocom and Ali Vakili’s relationship. flying to Canada from oz for their wedding was another adventure.

originally, alisa travelled to australia from Barrie to attend medical school. Classmate ali arrived from iran. they crossed paths in 2012 while working at a hospital on the sunshine Coast in the state of Queensland. The result was an adventurous fi rst date of sea kayaking.

“that was the start of our love story,” said alisa. “the adrenaline of sea kayaking brought us closer together.”

the new couple decided to stay in australia after graduation. alisa practises general family medicine at a rural clinic, while ali works in orthopaedics at a sunshine Coast hospital. their journey to Windermere in Muskoka happened after an auspicious trip to Wawa, ont. at alisa’s family cabin, ali asked her father for permission to marry his daughter. Her thrilled parents helped ali sneak away to Barrie to buy the Canadian diamond ring alisa wanted.

later, on a holiday in Maui, Hawaii, the intrepid couple hiked up the famous Haleakala volcano in darkness to watch the sunrise. When the sun was up, they hiked a little further up to a quiet spot where ali asked a very surprised alisa to marry him. Back home, they decided to hold the wedding in ontario. this began late-night skype calls to alisa’s parents in Huntsville who scouted local venues. Windermere House suited their wedding’s rustic elegance theme and was a beautiful autumn setting for their outdoor ceremony on oct. 2, 2015.

in australia, alisa missed shopping with her mother for her wedding gown but found a lovely strapless lace sottero and Midgley gown with lace bolero. Her bridesmaids wore fl oor-length, one-shouldered dark mauve gowns in harmony with the men’s tailored charcoal grey suits. the wedding party included ali’s brothers amin and amirhossein as best man and groomsman. Julia, a friend of the

When we looked down the aisle at each other, both of us were in tears,”“

DetailsJewellery/ring design Bill leBoeuf Jewellers, Barrie

Dress shopBrides of Brisbane in Brisbane, australia

Tux shop/men’s shop Hugo Boss

Honeymoon/travel agent Mr. & Mrs. smith

Catereroliver and Bonacini at Windermere House

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Wedding websiteriley & grey

Floristnicole of seasons in the Country, Bracebridge

Photographer Jennifer klementti Photography, Barrie

Table/guest favoursCombined Canadian and Persian backgrounds with maple syrup from sugar Bush Hill Maple farm in Huntsville, and saffron from iran. the nutty Chocolatier – handmade chocolates for guests’ rooms.

Wedding party giftsBridesmaids: swarovski drop earrings; groomsmen: flasks

bride’s for almost 30 years, was maid of honour. in fact, three weeks after her wedding, alisa was Julia’s maid of honour at her friend’s Barbados wedding. amin travelled to the wedding from australia, while ali’s parents and friends arrived from iran.

on the day of the wedding, a strong breeze off lake rosseau required planters to replace a birch ceremony arch on the lakeside lawn. But alisa didn’t notice the weather as she arrived to the sound of a violin and cello duet to marry her beloved.

“When we looked down the aisle at each other, both of us were in tears,” said alisa. “the maid of honour handed me tissues and i had to wipe away ali’s tears as well. We really loved our vows because we wrote them together.”

alisa remembered her late grandmothers at the wedding with their necklace charms sewn into her hand-tied bouquet of ivory and mauve roses, white and purple ranculus, purple calla lilies and white hydrangeas.

to honour the groom’s heritage, Persian traditions were included in the ceremony and reception. after signing the register, alisa and ali sat in chairs beneath a cloth held over their heads. a happily married woman rubbed a cone of sugar over them to bless them with a sweet life. after the couple cut their three-tiered chocolate fudge wedding cake, they did the Persian equivalent of feeding cake to each other. They dipped a pinky fi nger in honey and fed it to each other as a symbol to wish a

sweet life for each other. dancing in the evening included Persian tunes in the mix.

“it was really fun and big hit with everybody,” said alisa. “My parents told us their friends said they hadn’t danced like that in years. it was a perfect day – we were so happy.”

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Lora Bay is the perfect place for you and your partner to say “I do”, any time of the year.A wedding at Lora Bay is the perfect way to begin your “Happily Ever After”. Nestled betweenthe quaint towns of Thornbury and Meaford, Lora Bay boasts natural and serene vistas of the

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TThere isn’t often a reason for a baker to create a wedding cake that looks like a hamburger. But for their wedding, Julia Hardy, 22, and Matthew Goodman, 31, had a very good reason for such a request – fast food restaurant chain Harvey’s had brought them together.

“We met and worked together at Harvey’s in Barrie on Bayfi eld Street 12 years ago,” said Julia, who like Corey, is from Barrie. “I worked four years and Corey was there a bit longer. I was and am a big fan of ’90s dance music. I originally knew that Matt had a crush on me because he used to bring Dance Mix 94, 95 and 96 CDs into Harvey’s.”

In August 2005, Julia and Matthew started dating after being friends for a few years. On New Year’s Eve 2014, Matt proposed to Julia at a downtown Toronto restaurant. After she enthusiastically said yes, they started their very special new year

watching fi reworks at City Hall.

“I wasn’t surprised by the proposal because I saw the ring in Matt’s car,” recalled Julia. “I was looking for gum in the glove compartment. But before then, I knew it was coming.”

Unfortunately, the deteriorating health of Julia’s beloved grandfather made a short-term engagement and speedy wedding planning a necessity. With their hearts set on the Southshore Community Centre on Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie for the reception, they found only Friday, Aug. 29, 2014 was available. They booked it, and hoped most of their 155 invited guests would show up on the Friday of a long weekend. Happily, they did!

One wedding detail was a foregone conclusion – the event’s theme would be Harvey’s. As well as the hamburger look-alike wedding cake, the Harvey’s theme extended to a candy table with >>

Julia & MatthewA BEAUTIFUL THING

BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER RENEE MCGA HE Y PHOTOGR A PH Y

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...It was the church attended by Julia’s ailing grandfather. She knew he would love that his granddaughter wanted to marry there.”

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PhotographerRenee McGahey Photography

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Details

mini hamburger candies, pop bottles and French fry containers from the restaurant for guests to fi ll with candy. But how do you make a cake shaped like a hamburger?

“My co-worker who makes cakes part-time said ‘I know it’s not very classy, but it’s so you, Julia,’” laughed the bride. “She made the cake the night before. She used chocolate for the patty and something that looked like toppings in the middle. At the end of the night, quite a few people took a bite out of the hamburger. We did too and it was good!”

The ceremony venue was also obvious. Julia’s family had attended the 100-year-old St. George’s Anglican Church in Barrie for years.

Her mother had been organist and choir director for more than 20 years. When asked if she wanted to walk her daughter down the aisle with her husband, the organist declined in favour of the thrill of proudly playing Pachelbel’s ‘Canon’ as her daughter approached her future husband. Also, it was the church attended by Julia’s ailing grandfather. She knew he would love that his granddaughter wanted to marry there.

“He was so happy that day,” said Julia.

The four bridesmaids, beautiful in black dresses accented with silver, and one fl ower girl advanced down the aisle ahead of another fl ower girl leading the furry ring bearer. The couple’s friendly dog, Zuki, sported a ring pillow made by Julia’s mother.

Beautiful in a mermaid-style gown with three tiers of ruffl es, Julia carried a bouquet of purple irises, white hydrangeas and roses as she walked with her father to meet Matt – and Zuki.

“I just loved walking down the aisle and seeing Matthew’s face,” said Julia of her handsome, tuxedo-clad groom. “Zuki was funny because he didn’t understand why we weren’t paying attention to him. He was really good that day. He rode in the limo with us and everything.”

As the wedding party entered the reception, Julia’s father played the song ‘Tequila’ on his saxophone. After the meal came the bride’s favourite part of the day, the dancing. She bought a dance-ready short, feather-trimmed dress especially for the reception.

“I am always the last person on the dance fl oor,” laughed Julia, whose fi rst dance with her husband was to, of course, ’90s dance music. “I could not stop dancing!”


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M BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER SE A N ROBICH AUD

Micheline Robichaud, 35, and James Fletcher, 36, generously shared their wedding day with a good portion of the populous of Blue Mountain Village as well as with their 80 guests. And a good time was had by all.

“I know everyone says this, but our friends still say it was the best wedding they ever went to because it was a whole weekend of partying,” said Micheline, who scenically married her love James on June 20, 2015 at the top of a mountain overlooking Georgian Bay and Blue Mountain Village. “We did a quick rehearsal on the mountain on Friday, then went down to the village and partied with our friends all night. We made it a mini destination wedding.”

The couple’s unconventional wedding echoed their unconventional meeting on Twitter. After James started following Micheline’s comments, he found out she was single. So, he asked her out via Twitter.

“I said ‘you can’t ask people out on Twitter – it’s not a dating site,’” laughed Micheline. “His profi le picture was a cartoon from American Dad. But he was so nice and I found everything he tweeted really funny. I eventually said ‘yes’ because he offered The Keg. Who doesn’t like a free steak dinner? When I showed up, he had an R2-D2 lunch bag that lights up and blinks for me because I posted, months before, how much I loved it. He ordered it from the States weeks before I even agreed to go out with him. Isn’t that the greatest?”

Their choice of wedding party was more traditional, with lots of family among the 11 members. Micheline’s son and groomsman Kieran Robichaud, 14, walked fl ower girls and nieces Brianna and Reeghan Robichaud down the aisle. Twin nephews Kai and Kaz Robichaud acted as ring bearers. >>

Micheline & JimIT TA K ES A V ILL AGE

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I said to ‘love and cherish is great, but can you do something important and vow to take the garbage out on time from now on?’”

“

Jewellery/ring designerPeoples Jewellers

Dress shopBridal gown: Windsor Bridal; Reception dress: David’s Bridal; Anthi Alterations, Barrie

Tux shop/men’s shop Kilt: Burnett’s & Struth Scottish Regalia Ltd., Barrie

CatererBlue Mountain Village

Hair stylist/Makeup

Corrie Elle Artistry, Toronto

FloristMint Floral Co., Whitby

PhotographerSean Robichaud

Table/guest favours candy buffet

Wedding party gifts Tie clips that said, “It’s A Trap” by 2 Sisters Handcrafted, Barrie


Details

Bridemaids wore their choice of short pastel dresses. The laid-back bride didn’t see them until the big day. Micheline chose two dresses – an ice grey lace gown with long train by Maggie Sottero for the ceremony, and a custom-made 1960s pin-up style lace tea-length dress for the reception. Mint Floral in Whitby used soft pastel roses to create vintage bridesmaids’ bouquets. Micheline carried a glittering bouquet made of more than 100 vintage brooches.

The bride and groom didn’t write vows – they got up and winged it. James went fi rst, saying he didn’t want to follow his witty bride. But Micheline stopped him midway through his vows.

“I said to ‘love and cherish is great, but can you do something important and vow to take the garbage out on time from now on?’” laughed Micheline. “All the guests laughed. He vowed to try his best. I turned to the guests and said, ‘You all heard that?’”

In keeping with the wedding’s laid-back fun theme, the bride arranged a surprise fl ash mob after they were pronounced husband and wife. A trumpet rang out the start of the Beatles’ ‘All You Need is Love’. Thirty choir singers, posing as onlooking tourists, surrounded the guests and sang the song as the wedding party walked back down the aisle.

Guests rode a gondola down the mountain and gathered at the Blue Mountain Village Conference Centre in the Georgian Ballroom. A huge balcony overlooking the village was a fabulous cocktail and post-dinner gathering spot to vicariously enjoy the Salsa Weekend being celebrated below them.

“As luck would have it, aside from the music and the ambiance, the village put on a huge fi reworks show as soon as it was dark,” said Micheline. “Our guests watched fi reworks for 20 minutes. People asked us it if we arranged it. I said ‘yeah, totally.’”

The couple also arranged for Bill Murray to come to the wedding, sort of. Known for crashing weddings, the actor appeared as a cardboard fi gure that happily posed with guests, photo bombed pictures and went drinking in the village. The fun continued with a late night barbecue and 1990s rock music. Not ones for formal photos, the bride and groom had a few pictures taken as they strolled through the village and met friends. After changing into her reception dress, Micheline and James crashed their own wedding instead of using the full hour scheduled for photos.

“The wedding planner said you are supposed to be announced, but I said forget the announcement,” smiled Micheine. “We’re going out to the patio to hang out with our friends. We threw open the doors and said, ‘Pass me a drink!’”


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It was wonderful to hold my husband’s hands as we said our vows with beautiful views of the ocean in front of us.”

“

Wsarah & sean

w est COAst w edding

BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER WESLE Y A LLEN SH AW

When sarah rutherford and sean Hebson met in grade 8 at kanata elementary school in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, they became each other’s fi rst girlfriend and boyfriend. That summer, sarah and her family moved to Barrie. Before they parted, sean gave sarah a heart-shaped gold necklace.

seventeen years later, sarah and sean reconnected on facebook and began a long-distance relationship between alberta and ontario. a year later, sean was hired as a pilot by air Canada and moved to Ontario. One day, Sarah came home from a dental appointment to fi nd a note on their front door that said “close your eyes before entering.”

“sean took my hand,” recalled sarah. “When i opened my eyes, we were walking down a hallway hung with pictures of us from when we fi rst met up to the present. At the end of the hall, he got down on one knee and proposed.”

Perhaps her mother had a feeling about the couple. she had kept the heart necklace sean gave sarah safe for many years. a drawing of the heart by sarah’s sister and maid of honour kristina graced the couple’s wedding invitation. >>

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With most of sean’s family in B.C., the couple decided to marry in their hometown of Prince rupert on aug. 16, 2014. When they saw the oceanfront north Coast Meeting and Convention Centre, they felt it was perfect for their ceremony and reception. the ceremony space was on a balcony overlooking the ocean, and the reception room’s fl oor-to-ceiling windows framed the waterfront.

in the small town, wedding decorations were scarce. sarah’s resourceful mother shipped wedding supplies from ontario, many in the wedding colours of light silver and dark blue.

the wedding day was sunny despite Prince rupert’s reputation for rain. the balcony was decorated with tulle and two large pillars topped by trailing fl ower arrangements. White slipcovered chairs fi lled with 70 family and friends.

sarah, radiant in a cathedral-length veil and elegant Casablanca gown, wrapped her

precious heart locket into her bouquet of cream and pink vendala, baby’s breath and roses. Her bridesmaids wore short dark blue dresses and silver high heels, complementing the blue suits worn by the groomsmen and best man Chris grantham.

“My favourite parts of the day were my father walking me down the aisle, seeing friends and family i hasn’t seen since i left B.C., and seeing my husband at the altar,” recalled sarah. “it was wonderful to hold my husband’s hands as we said our vows with beautiful views of the ocean in front of us.”

However, instead of their fi sherman’s knot-engraved wedding rings, the ring in the box passed to sean by the best man was a gigantic, blinking plastic ring.

“My jaw dropped,” laughed sarah. “My brother and the best man set up the joke. everyone was laughing.”

during cocktail hour, guests sipped rupert

sunrise, the reception’s signature drink. the sumptuous post-ceremony buffet featured, naturally, seafood. guests chose from pan-seared halibut with lemon sauce, dungeness crab salad, dungeness crab cakes with ancho aioli and prawns. Haida northwest coastal native animal symbols such as killer whale, raven, eagle and wolf on the wedding cake’s lower tier proudly represented the first nations community of Prince rupert.

When it was time for their fi rst dance to ‘a thousand years’ by Christina Perri, the newlyweds were well-prepared.

“We took ballroom dance lessons in Barrie and our dance was choreographed,” said sarah. “it was a surprise for everyone.”

the next morning, sarah and sean played in the ocean for ‘trash the dress’ photos by photographer Wesley allen shaw, and made plans for a future honeymoon.


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Total cost of your wedding Priceless

Details

Contact Charlene @ 905 936 4343 x232 [email protected] • www.woodingtonlake.com

The perfect Wedding becomes reality here at Woodington Lake Golf Club. Enjoy one of the best wedding locations you will ever �nd. Tucked away in Tottenham, Ontario, only 35 minutes from the top ofToronto, amongst tall pines and overlooking the beautiful Woodington Lake. With the natural warmth and beauty of the Muskoka’s (without the long drive) and the grandeur and elegance of a downtownvenue, Woodington Lake provides the perfect location for beginning your new life with the perfect partner.

At Woodington Lake Golf Club, we believe your wedding day should truly be your day! That is why we host only oneWedding per day, offer personalizedWedding Packages, customized event itineraries andan in-house wedding coordinator to ensure your day runs smoothly from start to �nish.

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P Danielle & TylerCENTR E STAGE CER EMON Y

BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER MILLER ELLIS PHOTOGR A PH Y

Performing in the musical Chicago at the Orillia Opera House in 2009 brought Danielle Turvey, 24, and Tyler Morris, 28, together. It was fi tting, therefore, that their engagement and wedding ceremony took place at the venerable theatre’s centre stage.

Dance teacher Sandy Sundberg, who taught dancer Danielle and professional fi gure skating coach Tyler, introduced the couple when she asked male ice dancers to perform in Chicago.

“The Orillia Opera House was important to me as a dancer while growing up,” said Danielle. “Now it is a very special place to us as a couple.”

Their wedding date, Oct. 3, 2015, was chosen to mirror the October 2009 start of their relationship. Tyler proposed at the Opera House’s centre stage on December 27, 2013 after asking Danielle to come and see the theatre’s new renovations. Both families were hidden in the green room, waiting to celebrate the engagement.

“When I got there, no one was around, so I went to the backstage area,” recalled Danielle. “There were pictures of Tyler and me over the years hanging on picture boards in the wings and twinkle lights all over the stage. Then, I saw him at centre stage and I knew.” >>

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With dancers as bridesmaids and figure skaters as groomsmen, the wedding party perfectly fit the playbill theme of the wedding at the Opera House’s centre stage. The 160 guests each received a playbill-style program with biographies of the bride, groom and wedding party. The mayor of Orillia also sent best wishes to the couple in the program.

With two aisles in the Opera House, the groom and his groomsmen, handsome in black tuxedos, walked down one while the bridesmaids, elegant in long red satin gowns, appeared down the other. Danielle, leading-lady beautiful in a ball gown, tucked pictures of her late grandparents and recently passed cat into the satin ribbon around her bouquet of red roses and stephanotis and walked down the aisle to music from Phantom of the Opera.

“My favourite part of the day was watching Danielle walk down the aisle, as well as having our entire family from both sides be able to be together,” said Tyler.

“My favourite was seeing Tyler for the first time, walking down the aisle with my dad and sitting in the audience of the Opera House watching a surprise dance performed for us,” said Danielle.

The unexpected, upbeat dance was performed by the wedding party, many of Danielle’s former students, friends who were former skaters or dancers, and matchmaker Sandy.

“We were so overwhelmed – it was the coolest thing,” said Danielle. “They made a Facebook group. Whoever choreographed a section would videotape and upload it to the group so they could practise it on their own. They had a rehearsal before Tyler and I arrived for the wedding rehearsal. They all wore red shirts with a picture of our cat, Pari and us. To see >>


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Jewellery/ring designerGrandmother Turvey’s engagement ring

Dress shopHelen’s Bridal, Barrie; Bridal gown: Pronovias


CatererHawk Ridge Golf and Country Club

Church/hallThe Orillia Opera House

Music/DJThe Handy DJ: Tyler Handy

Hair stylistGiovanni and Perri

InvitationsMichael’s (craft store for supplies)

FloristBradford Greenhouses

RentalsTiffany Party Rentals: backdrop and chair sashes

PhotographerMiller Ellis Photography

Videographer Knightvision Productions

Table/guest favours weddingfavours.ca: personalized shot glasses

Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: People’s Jewellers - jewellery, La Vie En Rose - robesGroomsmen: Things Engraved - personalized flasks


Details

everyone standing on stage and looking incredible is something I will always remember.”

Guests were also treated to a song from a vocal group made up of Tyler’s grandmother and great aunts.

After the ceremony (and show), guests gathered at Hawk Ridge Golf & Country Club in Orillia where a huge playbill cover featuring the bride and groom welcomed them. Danielle’s sister Nicole and mother Jayne created unique table centerpieces refl ecting the couple’s favourite things. Guests could fi nd themselves at the Harry Potter, ballet, Grey’s Anatomy, Toronto Blue Jays, fi gure skating, Jurassic Park, Friends or Breaking Bad tables. Each centerpiece had a photo of Danielle and Tyler photoshopped into their favourite locations or beside the characters.

Tyler and Danielle entered the reception as Mr. and Mrs. to ‘Sk8ter Boi’ by Avril Lavigne.

“Tyler was a sk8ter boi – he was a punk and I did ballet,” said Danielle, quoting the lyrics.

The newlywed’s fi rst dance was a six-minute choreographed routine with maid of honour Nicole Turvey and best man Martin Nickel to beloved songs from their past.

A short, sweet road adventure to Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City gave the couple a romantic, relaxing time together before returning to Waterloo to resume busy coaching and teaching careers.

Tyler was a sk8ter boi – he was a punk and I did ballet.”“

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Katelyn & JonWOODL A ND W EDDINGA BY PAT TI V IPOND

PHOTOGR A PHER M A RILY N BERRYS

As a child, Katelyn Warner listened to her beloved grandfather tell her the ongoing tale of Johnny and the Woods. In the story, she and her grandfather enter an enchanted forest and walk to her friend Johnny’s house. The trio then explored the woodland.

Many years later, Katelyn met and fell in love with a real life Johnny – Jonathan Collie. The pair wed on Aug. 3, 2014.

“Jon’s parents call him Johnny boy, so I feel my grandfather gave me my Johnny,” said Katelyn. “I have always loved the woods and the magical feeling it brings. At some point, I realized our wedding had become the Johnny story. We had an absolutely enchanted woodland wedding.”

Katelyn, 26, and Jonathan, 27, began their story in December 2010 on the dating website Plenty of Fish. After their fi rst date at the Schomberg Tavern, the pair was inseparable. A week later on Christmas Eve, Jonathan sent Katelyn’s favourite treats to her workplace before joining her at a Christmas party at her parents’ home in the country. “After that, he was hooked,” smiled Katelyn.

Three years later, Jonathan went to work in Timiskaming for a few months. As soon as he came home, he surprised Katelyn by sinking to one knee and telling her that being away from her made him realize he >>

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I felt like no one else was around when our song, Harvest Moon, came on and we danced in the candlelight.”

“

Jewellery/ring design Bride: grandmother’s wedding ring

Dress shopSay Yes Bridal Gallery, Orillia

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Details

couldn’t live without her and wanted to be with her forever (along with their dog, Remington). Katelyn’s answer was an ecstatic “yes”.

Their woodland wedding took place in a small Victorian stone church sheltered by an enormous old maple tree. Christ Church Kettleby cozily accommodated their 115 guests. Katelyn, in a chiffon princess gown with scattered sequins and sweetheart neckline, carried a woodland bouquet of astilbe, variegated pitt, ferns, white garden roses, lisianthus and hydrangea. Her attendants included sister Julia as maid of honour, sisters Leslie and Erin as bridesmaids and nieces Natalie and Katrina Seads and Courtney Warner as junior bridesmaids. Best man Matt Collie, the groom’s brother, waited with Jonathon at the altar with groomsmen Jason Seads, Austin Agnew and Adam Svab.

After making his vow, Jonathan slipped Katelyn’s grandmother’s wedding ring on her fi nger. The tiny ring was custom designed with three tiered diamonds to hug her engagement band.

“When Jon put the ring on my fi nger, I gasped,” recalled Katelyn. “Though I never met my grandmother, I felt a real connection.”

The junior bridesmaids carried lanterns containing butterfl ies that were released post-ceremony by the couple’s parents, great-grandmothers and great aunts under the church’s venerable maple tree.

Katelyn’s father surprised the couple with a vintage Ford Model-T car to stylishly carry all his daughters and himself to the church, and take the newlyweds to their reception at Holland Marsh Wineries.

“That ride was special because my dad and I were able to sit together and I could say ‘I love you, Dad,’” recalled Katelyn.

During cocktail hour at Holland March Wineries, guests strolled the vineyards, listened to songs sung by a friend of the couple and marvelled at a falconer’s wild birds. In the reception space, cedar trees, Boston fern and astilbe created a fresh woodland décor. Table centerpieces were forest fantasies of sturdy maple slabs gilded with tea lights, soft moss and a blown glass apple.

O’Malley’s Catering prepared harvest salad with berries, apples and nuts, followed by sumptuous entrees of roast beef with Yorkshire pudding or chicken cordon bleu with panko crust. For dessert, guests could chose from the groom’s favourite, cheesecake, or apple blossom pie, the bride’s favourite.

“Jon told everyone if you don’t like what you have, switch with your neighbour,” said Katelyn. “It was great food.”

The couple’s fi rst dance as Mr. and Mrs. was the romantic highlight of the day for them.

“I felt like no one else was around when our song, ‘Harvest Moon’, came on and we danced in the candlelight,” said Katelyn. “On our third date, we met at 3 a.m. to watch a lunar eclipse together. That’s when I knew we were soulmates.”

The couple’s love story continued this year with the birth of their daughter, Bridget Leda.

“My daughter was born on my grandmother’s birthday, so she has her great-grandmother’s name – Leda,” smiled Katelyn.


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Osheyndl & tyrone

r eL A Xed A nd rUstiC

BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER JA MIE DIMITRY PHOTOGR A PH Y

on the day of her wedding, sheyndl dobinson, 29, received this text message from a close friend: take a few minutes and stand back and watch everyone today. enjoy the moment because you will never have it again.

the bride took that advice to heart, resulting in one of her fondest memories of the day of her groom, tyron gauthier, 37.

“i was walking around and watching when the photographer took a good picture of my husband,” recalled sheyndl. “He wasn’t crying, but he had teary eyes. seeing that was the best feeling – to see him so happy and excited.”

standing back and enjoying the moment was what the couple also wanted their 35 guests to do at their laid-back and awesomely fun celebration on June 13, 2015.

tyrone grew up in kamloops, British Columbia, and sheyndl was born near gilford. sheyndl went to work in fort McMurray after graduating from college in ontario. in 2011, she met her future husband at a local sushi restaurant with mutual friends. That fi rst date led eventually to an engagement and a decision about where their wedding should be held.

in deference to sheyndl’s large family in ontario, they chose to celebrate in that province. the event brought together family members who had not seen each other in a long time, and introduced many members of the bride and groom’s families. >>

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Jewellery/ring designerWanda W. Welsh of FLIRT Originals

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I was walking around and watching when the photographer took a good picture of my husband,” recalled Sheyndl. “He wasn’t crying, but he had teary eyes. Seeing that was the best feeling – to see him so happy and excited.”

“

While searching for venues near the Dobinson’s home, Tyrone found the beautiful Belcroft Estates in Gilford. Vintage barns, built in 1857 and renovated to modern standards, provided the rustic/shabby chic backdrop the couple wanted for their relaxed wedding day.

Planning an Ontario wedding from their Alberta home proved relatively stress-free.

“The morning of the wedding, I fi nally got to see everything put together,” said Sheyndl. “It looked the way I envisioned it. All my bouquets and boutonnieres were ordered in B.C. and shipped to my parents’ home. We picked up the table runners on the drive from Alberta to Ontario. So, seeing everything put together that morning was just, wow! For me, everything during the day happened perfectly.”

The weather cooperated beautifully for the outdoor ceremony in a courtyard surrounded by trees and summer fi elds. Guests sat on slipcovered hay bales to watch the 12-person wedding party walk down a covered aisle to music played by harpist Kate Kunkel.

Bridesmaids wore short turquoise chiffon dresses while the men coordinated in white shirts, blue suspenders, turquoise ties and multi-coloured striped socks. Sheyndl, glowing in a strapless ruched chiffon gown with beaded waistline and gorgeous train, carried blue orchids, white roses and white lilies to the song ‘A Thousand Years’ by Christina Perri.

Luckily, the bride didn’t know that there was a ring glitch until after the ceremony.

“The best man forgot the rings back in the Belcroft’s man cave where the guys got ready,” Sheyndl said. “I didn’t notice anything because we were saying our vows. He signalled his wife. She ran out, got the rings and passed them along to her husband. Other than that,

everything went amazingly well.”

After the ceremony, guests went to the bride’s parent’s 10-acre property for hors d’oeuvres and wine before returning to Belcroft Estates for the reception.

Table centerpieces echoed the bridesmaids’ bouquets with blue orchids, white roses and white lilies lit by tiny lights. They rested on wooden slabs cut by the groom in the Dobinson’s back yard. Wine bottles on each table were marked with the couple’s names, wedding date and table numbers.

Sheyndl’s close friend Andrew Perrie sang during the bride and groom’s fi rst dance. Sister Danika Dobinson sang ‘Baby Girl’ by Sugarland while the bride and her father danced in a circle of guests. Guests danced to a mix of party music ranging from country to house music.

After a fabulous evening, guests grabbed their table favours – a s’mores kit of chocolates, graham crackers and marshmallows – with an invitation to take a shuttle back to the Dobinsons’ for a bonfi re to top off the night.

Sheyndl and Tyrone plan to move back to Ontario sometime during the next year. But fi rst, they’ll enjoy a month-long honeymoon backpacking in Thailand in early 2016.

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W BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER HOLLY BODK IN HIPNOTIK

PHOTOGR A PH Y

When danna Compton, 27, and Matthew Bellamy, 30, said their wedding vows on oct. 3, 2015 at st. John’s Presbyterian Church in Bradford, it was a triumph of patience over desire.

during their nine previous years together, Matthew spent a good deal of that time waiting for his fi ancée-to-be to fi nish her education so they could start married life on solid ground.

“We knew of each other because his family owned the local video store and my parents used to own the local grocery store,” recalled Danna, whose fi rst outing with her future husband in 2007 was a double date for italian food and bowling with the couple who introduced them. “Matt is a hilarious guy and we had a really good time.”

Matt surprised danna by proposing on Valentine’s day at a hotel’s beautiful cliff top restaurant in Mexico. Well-timed heart-shaped fi reworks started soon after Danna said yes. Matt gave her the beautiful antique platinum and diamond engagement ring formerly owned by danna’s grandmother’s aunt.

on the long-awaited wedding day, 160 guests, including many friends from Mexico, arrived at the church. inside, friends of Danna’s grandmother had decorated with bouquets of fresh fl owers and pew sashes cradling nosegays. the 10-person wedding party included children dear to the couple including a junior bridesmaid, ring bearer, fl ower girl and two young nephews carrying a sign saying “uncle Matt – Here Comes your girl.”

danna, the girl in question, walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of ‘a thousand years’ in a romantic tulle skirted ball gown with a crystal and pearl encrusted corset bodice. she carried a fall bouquet of Vandella roses, calla lilies, mums and freesia. the bride was thrilled to exchange vows with her groom in her family’s church.

“for as long as i can remember, i’ve wanted our minister, dr. daniel scott, to be the one to perform the ceremony,” said danna.

elegance and romance were the watchwords at the post-ceremony reception at the Club at Bond Head. danna’s aunt, the banquet manager, and wedding coordinator danielle reaume made sure everything was ready for the party to begin. grey, navy blue >>

danna & MattwOrtH tHe wAit

Finally uniting was the most romantic and amazing part of the day.”“

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DetailsJewellery/Ring designerMeztger Studio, Barrie: wedding rings; vintage family heirloom engagement ring

Dress ShopElmwood Bridal, Aurora

Tux shop/men’s shopTuxedo Royale, Newmarket

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and coral were used in shimmery table linens and other décor. The bride’s sisters contributed whimsical hand-made decorations. A sign by the bar read “Trust Me, You Can Dance” signed by Alcohol.

The wedding party danced their way into the room to ‘Push It’ by Salt ‘n’ Pepa, followed by the joyous couple moving to ‘Larger Than Life’ by the Backstreet Boys.

A hearty butternut squash soup started a meal of stuffed chicken with goat cheese or beef tenderloin with an apple blossom dessert. For those who danced up a late-night appetite to DJ Jason Stanton, a pizza station and table of

homemade treats by Danna’s mom, neighbour and expert baker grandmother hit the spot. A colleague of Danna’s mom made the jars of jams and red pepper jellies waiting to go home with each guest.

“A lot of people helped out with a lot for our wedding,” says Danna. “My mom painstakingly tied ribbons onto the jam jars. She really did a lot of work for us.”

Becoming husband and wife after so many years, and listening to Danna’s cousin Lexi Haddock sing a song she wrote for them with ukulele accompaniment were the couple’s favourite parts of their day.

“Finally uniting was the most romantic and amazing part of the day,” says Danna, who loved Matt’s beautiful speech. “It’s been a family tradition over the last few years for Lexi to rewrite lyrics to popular songs using our family life for material. She used Taylor Swift and Backstreet Boys songs for our song. It was hilarious and also extremely touching.”

Danna and Matt practised patience one more time, waiting until January to honeymoon at the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica.


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Kirsten & JoshuaLOV e At tHe dYerWWhen kirsten dale, 27, and Joshua Both, 30, moved

to Huntsville in 2011, they often visited the dyer Memorial. the dyer is Muskoka’s version of the taj Mahal, set on 155 landscaped acres on the banks of the Big east river.

“the energy at the dyer creates such an air of love, we knew it was the perfect place to be married,” said kirsten, who with Joshua and 75 family and friends gathered there for the ceremony on sept. 14, 2014.

Reached by over 70 fl agstone steps ascending through the forest, the stone tower was built by Clifton dyer in 1956 after the death of his beloved wife, Betsy Browne dyer. a plaque reads, “an affectionate, loyal and understanding Wife is life’s

greatest gift.”

“The Dyer love story infl uenced our choice because the theme of our wedding was love,” said Joshua, who proposed at kirsten’s family home near Huntsville on Christmas eve in 2013 after nine years together.

kirsten’s custom square-cut Canadian diamond and white gold engagement ring was her ‘something new’. an antique white gold wedding band set with rare black diamonds from ron Henry Jewellers in Huntsville was a stunning ‘something old’. the bride also wore a vintage diamond and sapphire necklace loaned to her by her great aunt’s mother. it had been a wedding gift to her great-great aunt. >>

The energy at the Dyer creates such an air of love, we knew it was the perfect place to be married.”

“

BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER TR ACY FOWLER , FA MILY TREE PHOTOGR A PH Y

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PhotographerTracy Fowler of Family Tree Photography

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Wedding Party gifts The Love Tree, Huntsville

Details

The unique outdoor setting created two concerns – weather and how to transport Kirsten’s grandmother, Ila, up to the ceremony site. Luckily, the rain held off until after the ceremony.

“There was a lot of concern about how to get Gramsbear to the monument because the steps were not an option,” recalled Kirsten. “Fortunately, a pickup truck and a very old trail through the forest behind the monument solved the dilemma. It was a blessing to have her with us. My grandmother became ill a week later and passed away that December.”

Two other matters arose during the ceremony – the time and stamina needed to walk the ‘aisle’ of 40 rising stone steps, and, for the bride, the pain of having a traditional six pence (for luck) in your shoe.

“It was like having a football fi eld for an aisle,” chuckled Joshua. “My bride came around the corner way down the stone steps in about 50 pounds of lace and high heels. After what seemed like an eternity, she came into focus and was beaming.”

“You were squinting to see me for a while,” laughed Kirsten, who wore wedges with her spectacular long-trained Maggie Sottero lace

and champagne underlay ball gown. “That coin hurt so much, but I kept it until after the ceremony. My girls did that walk, too. I told them to wear wedges, but those girls rocked the stillettos in short turquoise dresses.”

It was worth the long walk when the couple exchanged their own vows in the forested setting, promising to value and protect each other. Kirsten’s bouquet of three sunfl owers, surrounded by white roses, refl ected the importance of the number three to her family for her late brother Harrison, her mother and herself. A locket in her bouquet holding photos of her mom and Harrison gave Kirsten a way to have her brother be with her.

“A favourite moment from our perfect day was after we said ‘I do’,” says Kirsten. “We snuck away behind the monument and shared an ’Ah, we did it!’ But all day, I felt so much love from Josh and all of our friends and family. I will never forget that feeling.”

The Muskoka Room at the Mark O’Meara Course at Grandview in Huntsville provided a reception with nature as the theme. The natural beauty of the room’s abundant stone and wood décor, lit by vintage chandeliers and scones, was allowed to shine with minimal extras. Kirsten’s Dad supplied cut rounds of birch wood for centerpieces of earthy elements and candle-lit glass jars.

After dinner, the speeches were crowd-pleasers.

“Sophie’s speech fl oored everyone,” said Kirsten. “She talked about love winding through the cosmos over time. It was such a beautiful way of describing things.”

“Everyone had a good time,” agreed Josh. “I come from a line of military people, and even they let loose and had a good time.”

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AAs operations manager and fi eld manager of Cookstown Greens, their family organic vegetable farm, Vicky Blackwell, 33, and Mike Ffrench, 31, knew what they would be serving at their wedding reception on Sept. 20, 2014.

Incorporating their produce into their wedding day became Vicky and Mike’s goal. Vegetarian and vegan appetizers featured farm fresh beets, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots and corn. The main course was a delectable beet risotto with a fall salad that included arugula and fragrant onions. Even the table favours were from the farm. Pickled beets, lovingly prepared and packaged in burlap-wrapped jars, bore labels reading “Our Love Beets On.”

The favours were prepared by a cooking crew of family members under the direction of Vicky’s sister’s mother-in-law.

“There were 10 of us around the table doing the boiling, canning, and adding the vinegar and brown sugar,” said Vicky, who met Mike at her sister Abby’s wedding in March 2009. “I had never done anything like that before. One jar is hidden away for our fi fth anniversary.”

Mike’s parents opened Cookstown Greens in 2011. In 2012, Mike’s father asked his son and Vicky, then in non-farming careers, to join them in the business. Though the idea sounded crazy, the couple eventually decided to quit their jobs, roll up their sleeves and learn how to grow and sell over 150 varieties of organic vegetables, greens, seedlings and garnishes.

“Some spouses can’t work together, but we are 100-per-cent good at working together,” said Vicky.

Mike asked Vicky to marry him in February 2014.

Vicky & MikePRODUCING A W EDDING

BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER PAUL KOZIOROWSK I ONE SQUA RED PHOTOGR A PH Y

As usual, the growing season determined other wedding plans. The fall harvest would supply the menu. They asked Mike’s mother, Caroline, to grow rustic, simple fall fl owers to decorate the ceremony and reception, and use as garnish for the meals. Caroline tended her gardens well. All centerpiece fl owers, bridesmaids’ bouquets, boutonnieres and Vicky’s bouquet of fall asters, baby’s breath and roses had the same familiar origin.

The comfort of their 85 guests was paramount when the couple chose the Gibson Centre in Alliston for their ceremony and reception. Guests could seamlessly move from ceremony to party. The centre’s rustic décor of brick, wood and wrought iron suited their wedding’s farm chic theme.

Siblings and childhood friends were the couple’s eight member wedding party. Ali Chapple was maid of honour and Chris La Placa, who arrived from Bermuda, was best man. Vicky’s mother travelled from St. Maarten for her daughter’s big day, and Mike’s aunt, uncle and cousin arrived from England.

The photo reveal, images of the bride and groom taken before the ceremony, was taken at their farm. >>

It was literally the best day of our whole lives,” said Vicky. “Nothing went wrong. It was sublime.”

“

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Jewellery/ring designerBride’s rings: Michael Smiley, Barrie; Groom’s ring: AMA Jewelers, St. Maarten

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Hair stylist/Make up Abby Muriella, Bride’s sister

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Floristflowers from Cookstown Greens designed by Groom’s Mother and her cousin

RentalsDiamond Décor: ceremony backdrop and reception lighting

PhotographerPaul Koziorowski, One Squared Photography

Table/guest favours Jars of homemade pickled beets with the tagline “Our love beets on”

Wedding party giftsGroomsmen: personalized cuff links; Bridesmaids: opal-drop earrings and necklaces


Details

“It gave us time to share a special moment before the rush of the day took over,” recalled Vicky, who wore a simple custom-altered ground-skimming second-hand gown with lace cap sleeves. “When I tapped Mike on the shoulder and he turned around, we both cried. The photos on the farm were so well executed by our photographer and so refl ective of us.”

‘Ends of the Earth’ by Lord Huron played as Vicky walked down the aisle with her Opa. Mike’s sister Catriona strummed her ukulele and sang the Beatles song ‘Til There Was You’ during the registry signing.

As hoped, the farm’s produce was fabulous food for the cocktail hour and dinner. “The food for our cocktail hour, dinner and dessert were outstanding,” said Vicky. “It was amazing to eat our produce and share it with our guests. I remember watching the reception happening and chuckling out loud because it was so exciting. I was elated. Our guests laughed too. We were all in the moment. I loved dancing with everyone, just stomping on the fl oor and singing with our arms around each other.”

The newlyweds had time to refl ect on their wedding day during their honeymoon in St. Maarten.

“It was literally the best day of our whole lives,” said Vicky. “Nothing went wrong. It was sublime.”

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I loved being introduced as husband and wife”“

O Chantal & JosefCELEBR ATING AT HOME

On a December evening in 2014, Chantal Varcoe, 25, was quietly working on her computer when her long-time beau Josef Pacak came home with a couple of Christmas tree ornaments from his parents. He asked her to hang one glass globe carefully on a branch.

“I looked at it and said ‘how cute, it looks like you and me’,” remembered Chantal, who met Josef via a mutual friend at a Christmas party near Tottenham in 2008. “It was a little Precious Moments couple. Then, I saw the ring on it. In front of the Christmas tree, he asked me to marry him. We had talked about getting married for a while. I had told him I hoped we would be engaged before New Year’s so we could have a summer wedding. My family knew because he had talked to them at a time when I was away, but we called everyone.”

Wanting a relaxed warm weather wedding on Aug.

15, 2015, the couple decided to hold their reception at Chantal’s parents’ home near Alliston and their ceremony at nearby Cookstown United Church. The family’s four-acre property could comfortably accommodate their 145 guests, whether in a spacious tent on the driveway for dining and dancing, or socializing outside on the lawns in the sunshine. In anticipation of beautiful weather, a table for cocktails on the lawn was built along with a large bench to set in the shade for guests.

Décor for the reception and ceremony was classic, clean and naturally elegant. The reception tent was gilded with white accents through linens and chairs, and greenery via trees and shrubs from Solty Garden Centre in Cookstown. Soft lighting fl owed from silver chandeliers, candles in silver lanterns and white candles sitting atop tree stumps to light the evening inside and out. Floral centerpieces >>

BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER A NN A BUL AWA PHOTOGR A PH Y

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Details

added bursts of vibrant pinks and purples to the dining tables.

On the morning of the wedding, Chantal’s parents surprised her with a little charm pendant from her grandmother to tuck into her bouquet. The pendant held photos of her late beloved grandfathers.

“There is photo of my parents giving me the charm, another of me not knowing what it was and a last one of me crying,” said Chantal. “I pinned it to my bouquet for the day.”

Later, Chantal waited to walk down the aisle holding a bouquet of dahlias, David Austin Garden Roses and spray roses in a strapless fi t and fl are gown with sweetheart neckline. Her bevy of bridesmaids stood by her in full-length,

one-strap purple-blush gowns with heart-shaped necklines.

The bride had another emotional moment as she walked up the aisle to an instrumental version of the song ‘A Thousand Years’ and saw her groom’s face light up.

“I walked through the church doors and was walking down the aisle with my dad when I saw Josef waiting for me at the front,” said Chantal. “We locked eyes and I started to cry, but held it back.”

The newlyweds left the church to the sound of Queen singing ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’.

At the relaxed reception, Chantal and Josef surprised their guests with a choreographed fi rst dance, courtesy of dance lessons in Barrie. The slow dance around the fl oor ended with a dramatic dip. Chantal and her father broke out to a montage of party dance songs after their traditional father/daughter dance. Everyone fl ooded onto the dance fl oor with them. The crowd danced non-stop to country, rock and pop, plus some rap and R&B, until 4 a.m.

“It was an awesome party,” said Chantal, who left with her new husband for a honeymoon in Freeport, Bahamas on the following Monday. “I loved being introduced as husband and wife as we walked into the dinner tent with everyone smiling and cheering. And, of course, loved dancing the night away!”


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stephanie & garethHOrses A nd Heir LOOMsW BY PAT TI V IPOND

PHOTOGR A PHER MICH A EL TOM ASZE WSK I PHOTOGR A PH Y

When your wedding is described as equestrian meets Gatsby meets James Bond, there better be a horse, a carriage and some mystery in your plans. Stephanie Stanglmeier, 23, and Gareth Guest, 24, delivered all three on July 26, 2014.

Two handsome Belgians hitched to a traditional white wedding carriage delivered Stephanie and her dad to the charming Christ Church-St. Judes Anglican church in Ivy.

The equestrian theme came via the bride’s love of riding. Her beloved horse Prototype moved from Barrie to Petawawa with the couple when Gareth was posted to the army base. Treasured family heirloom furniture from the 1800s, including a glass-fronted armoire, gave a Gatsby atmosphere to the reception tent at Chantal’s family horse farm near ivy. Papier-mâché doves fl ocked around the ceiling and a dance fl oor circled the centre pole.

“we have wild grapevines that grow along the back fi elds of my parents’ farm,” said Stephanie. “we collected some and wound them around the tent’s centre pole for a vintage look. the wedding planner added large globes with lights inside. i appreciated her help because i was never one of those little girls with her wedding planned.” >>

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Details

The night Stephanie and Gareth met wedding plans were not on either person’s radar. Stephanie was attending St. Lawrence College in Kingston while Gareth was at the city’s Royal Military College. While celebrating her 19th birthday with friends, she met her future groom. He asked for her number, but did not call. in January, they crossed paths again, exchanged numbers and went out on their fi rst date a few days later. Stephanie had been on a number of fi rst dates and was wary.

“all of the dates were pretty much disasters,” Stephanie recalled. “the guy would take me to a fancy restaurant and the conversation wouldn’t go anywhere. when gareth asked me what i wanted to do, I said let’s just meet for coffee. things took off. Soon i met his friends and was ‘approved.’”

After dating his love for three years, Gareth made his move – he bought an engagement ring and went to visit her for the weekend.

“I didn’t have much money because I had just bought the ring,” said garth. “i told her i couldn’t

do much that weekend and Stephanie kept asking why. So i took her out beside my car, asked her to close her eyes and took the ring out. i got down on one knee, told her to open her eyes, and said, ‘this is why.’”

The engagement date became their wedding date a year later.

At Christ Church-St. Judes, the bride and groom asked for quiet organ music to create a peaceful ceremony. Many guests travelled to the celebrations from across Canada and the United States. Gareth’s parents and brother Evan arrived from his home province of Saskatchewan. evan, his brother’s best man, joined wedding party members Sebastian, Adam, Rachel, Madeleine and Julie.

Gareth slipped his bride’s great-grandmother’s wedding ring onto her fi nger as they took their vows surrounded by family and friends in the church the bride attended as a child.

After a memorable meal by Lavender Blue Catering, DJ Don Woodall got everyone slow dancing to soft, mellow music. But as the night went on, the tempo stepped up and the dance fl oor fi lled to capacity. the newlyweds happily cut their elegant three-tiered square wedding cake by Barrie’s Cakes By design. white fondant icing in a quilted pattern with silver balls on the quilt points covered the three-fl avour cake. a small bouquet and loose fl ower petals, supplied by the caterer, adorned the top of the sweet treat.

The new husband and wife left the next morning for a three-week honeymoon in ireland and wales that let gareth explore his ancestry. Back home, family and friends reminisced about the couple’s quaint and elegant wedding celebration.


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samantha & gregoryM A r r ied in MUsKOK AW BY PAT TI V IPOND

PHOTOGR A PHER MEGA N E WING, ME CRE ATIV E

with sparkling Bala Bay as their backdrop and late summer sunlight shining down on guests in Bala’s windsor Park, Samantha Cieslik, 26, and gregory Sherman, 31, became husband and wife on Sept. 12, 2015.

The peaceful waterfront wedding ceremony was quite a contrast to what was to come that evening.

“As soon as Greg found out the kee to Bala was a place where we could have our reception, he wanted to get married in muskoka,” explained Samantha. “greg often went to the Kee to hear bands as a teenager. i had a lot of family friends with cottages in muskoka, so we went there quite often.”

The Barrie residents made their wedding a mini-getaway for their guests by starting the party on Friday night. they rented Clear Lake resort in nearby torrance and hosted a major bonfi re and barbecue for about 60 friends after the wedding rehearsal.

“everyone was excited to get out and have a weekend away,” said Samantha. “Kristen Sherman, greg’s sister and a maid of honour, fl ew in from South Korea. Our close friends mick, aoife Linehan and Cian Linehan, our ring bearer, came from ireland.” >>

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Details

Samantha and Greg met about seven years ago at the restaurant where she worked. getting the lady to go out with him took greg about a year, but persistence paid off. On Valentine’s Day, he sent Samantha an edible arrangement that fi nally sealed the deal.

“To be honest, I felt he had put in so much effort that i should go out with him,” smiled Samantha. “We hit it off. From day one, we were a couple.”

about fi ve years later, friends honeymooning in Ireland became friends with an Irish couple who visited them in Canada. After Samantha and Greg met the Irish couple, plans were made to visit them in ireland together. Unbeknownst to Samanatha, Greg decided the Emerald Isle would be the perfect place to ask his love to marry him.

His dramatic surprise proposal was made directly in the centre of the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge in Northern Island. The narrow 20-metre long bridge is suspended 30 metres over the ocean. It joins the mainland to a tiny Carrickarede island.

Samantha was fl abbergasted, and delighted.

“the night we arrived, greg took the boys for a walk and told them what he was going to do,” said Samantha. “Part of the proposal was videotaped. When we went on the bridge, they knew what was going to happen.”

For their wedding day, the weather stopped its sunny/rainy roller coaster to settle on brilliant sunshine and fair skies.

the couple’s wedding party included fi ve maids of honour and fi ve best men. the maids wore strapless long light yellow dresses, each in their own style, in step with the event’s colours of yellow and grey. Samantha was exquisite in a fl oor-length, fi tted maggie Sottero gown with ivory lace over a champagne underlay and deep back with lace cut out.

Carrying a bouquet of white hydrangeas and yellow roses, Samantha walked down the aisle to meet Greg while her close friend Aoife Linehan sang ‘I Won’t Give Up’ by Jason Mraz, accompanied on guitar by Gillian Johnson.

For the ceremony, Greg cut, stained and lacquered benches and made a birch arbour festooned with mason jars holding tea lights to frame the bride and groom. At the Kee, strings of lights rustically lit the reception which featured dancing to the band MAPS.

“maPS absolutely killed it!” said Samantha. “In-between sets, we had a Sherman wedding playlist that kept the d-fl oor going. the whole day and weekend was a complete whirlwind, but for both of us the most exciting moment was when the band was playing and everyone got up on stage with the band. You could tell everyone was just having the best time.”

The newlyweds honeymooned in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for a week before leaving for a Royal Carribean cruise to Bahamas, St. Thomas and St. Martin.

“the wedding was absolutely perfect,” said Samantha. “i still wish i could go back and relive the evening. we all had a blast.”

We hit it off. From day one, we were a couple.”“

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A BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER SCOT T T URNBULL PHOTOGR A PH Y

a vehicle brought Lacey deCaire, 31, and Christopher Finlay, 35, together, and an entirely different vehicle united them on their wedding day.

On July 5, 2012, Christopher was (and still is) working as salesman at muskoka Chrysler in Bracebridge when Lacey, a mental health therapist, arrived to look at a Jeep. By the end of the test drive, Lacey had decided to buy the Jeep and ask the salesman out.

“i left and came back all dressed up and told him i had forgotten the paperwork, which i had, and was heading out to a party,” remembers Lacey. “i was actually going to a friend’s house. i told Chris he should call me sometime and left. Ten minutes later, he texted me. I said the party fell through and I was at a friend’s place for a bonfire. He came over, we had our first kiss and we’ve been together ever since.”

about two years later, Christopher dropped to one knee in the couple’s Bracebridge kitchen, but was too excited to pop the question. Lacey saw a ring, knew what he was trying to say, and said “of course!” they set Sept. 27, 2014 as the date so that muskoka’s fall colours would surround their outdoor lakeside ceremony at Shamrock Lodge in Port Carling.

Historic Shamrock Lodge fulfilled the couple’s wish for a vintage venue for their ceremony and reception. Chris, who plays hockey with the owner, had been to the resort many times and loved the location.

a lush lawn bordering the lake was the perfect spot for an outdoor ceremony. a dock would act as the aisle, but only the bride and her father knew that beforehand.

the weekends before the wedding were uniformly cold and rainy. But that Saturday turned out to be one of >>

Lacey & ChristophertHe FLY-in Br ide

They set Sept. 27, 2014 as the date so that Muskoka’s fall colours would surround their outdoor lakeside ceremony at Shamrock Lodge in Port Carling.

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Details

the fall’s most beautiful days. It was a perfect day for flying to a wedding, especially if you are the bride travelling with your father and photographer, and have the best man as pilot.

“Our best man, Chris Hogue, is a pilot,” said Lacey. “He flew my dad, the photographer and me to Shamrock Lodge by float plane. we parked at the dock and used it as an aisle.“

the guests didn’t know we were in the plane until Chris did a low dip over Lake rosseau in front of everyone.”

With a sash from her mother-in-law’s wedding dress gently wrapped around her bouquet and a brooch from a late cousin among the hydrangeas, Lacey was walk to ‘at Last’ by etta James. However, a technical glitch had her gracefully walking to the sound of waves and bird song towards her 125 guests.

“I had been dreaming of that song because At Last we were getting married,” said Lacey, who was radiant in a blush-coloured Vera Wang gown. “Our friends and family had waited for both of us to meet the perfect person. When the music didn’t play, it made a moment that everyone was caught in. The minister, who is my uncle, was so emotional that he forgot to tell the guests to sit down. They stood through the whole ceremony.”

the 17-person wedding party included two three-year-old nephews as ring bearers. A four-year-old niece and Lacey’s grandmother were the flower girls.

the glitch was forgotten as the couple looked into each other’s eyes, listened to pastor Tim Kieffer from Cornerstone Baptist Church, and took their vows before their families and friends.

Then, it was party time.

white tablecloths with soft pink overlays carried the wedding’s colour scheme in the reception tent. Table numbers with photos of Lacey and Christopher at the same age as the number were mounted on birch tree slices cut by the bride’s father. The bride crafted almost 100 custom-made vases ornamented with fishing lures, golf balls and golf tees, and paper confetti hearts to decorate the tables.

After dinner, many guests headed to the dance floor. Other snacked at a s’mores station, had a caricature drawn, visited the photo booth or played with a giant Jenga game and corn hole board (bean toss game) emblazoned with a cousin-created family crest. The crest featured a heart with arrows through it, and the bride and groom’s initials.

Fireworks marked the end of the night.

Plans for an action-packed February honeymoon in Belize changed to a relaxing beach holiday in Cozumel, Mexico when Lacey discovered a baby was on the way. Baby Hudson was born just before their first wedding aniversary.

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We were trying to incorporate Orion into the day as much as possible.”“ F BY PAT TI V IPOND

PHOTOGR A PHER RICK VA N DER VA LK PHOTOGR A PH Y

For michael Cooper, 44, the stress of working in toronto had become a problem. Having visited Parry Sound, he thought if he ever had the chance to move there, he would. now, it was time.

michael left without having secured housing or employment in Parry Sound, but soon had work as a personal trainer at the local YmCa. He started talking every day with a pretty young woman who brought her little son, orion, to day care. After a year, Wendy Rolph, 36, and Michael went on a date. Soon, the trio made a home together.

After becoming engaged over the 2014 Christmas holidays, the couple decided on a natural outdoor wedding ceremony on aug. 8, 2015. wendy grew up in Pointe au Baril on the eastern shore of georgian Bay, so getting married beside the bay was important. Grand Resort Tapatoo, just south of Parry Sound on Georgian Bay, was the perfect place for the ceremony and reception. The scenic forested grounds were made for photos and the resort could accommodate out-of-town guests.

“the resort brought us up to speed about what was happening as soon as when we arrived on Friday,” said wendy. “i recommend the resort as a wedding venue.”

The bride and groom’s wedding party included maid of honour Jennifer nicholas, best man Joe Cremer, fl ower girls and bride’s nieces aezlyn and aleigha rolph and the bride’s son, Orion rolph, as ring bearer. the bridesmaids wore navy blue chiffon gowns, while the men dressed up in dark grey tuxedos. wendy fell in love with a gorgeous gown a year before and added a champagne sash, Swarovski crystal buttons and a jewelled belt.

Two days before their wedding, the rain started coming down. But as the wedding party got ready, the sun came out and a beautiful day was born.

The wooden arbour for the beach ceremony was swagged with soft ivory-coloured fabric and fresh hydrangea. a tent covering simple beach chairs on an adjacent dock fi lled with 130 family and friends. Carrying an ivory, champagne and pink bouquet of roses, calla lilies and hydrangea, wendy walked down the aisle to her beloved Michael to the song ‘I Can’t Help Falling In Love.’

“the most romantic moment was defi nitely when we were standing at the altar and looking at each other,” said wendy. “another wonderful moment was when we had photos taken in a secluded area and were together.”

after the ceremony, a cocktail hour and dinner were held in the teak room. reception decorating was a family affair. wendy’s father cut pine rounds for centerpieces with mason jars fi lled with sand and rocks symbolizing the blending of two families through Wendy’s son orion. Wendy and her mom created decorations including chalkboard signs to welcome guests and invite them to “Please choose a seat, not a side.” >>

wendy & MichaelBLiss On geOrgiA n BAY

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Details

In his speech, Michael recalled seeing Wendy across the street in Parry Sound, waiting for him, and knowing he wanted to marry her. michael also brought Orion to his side, saying he was blessed to have Orion in his life and proud to call him his son. “We were trying to incorporate Orion into the day as much as possible,” explained Wendy. “He was six then, and did a great job carrying the rings down the aisle. He didn’t take his eyes off them the whole time.”

Michael, Wendy and Orion surprised delighted guests with a free form Gangham Style dance. Wendy later surprised her husband with a slide show including a picture of his mother and father dressed up for the wedding. Due to ill health, his father couldn’t come to the wedding, so seeing the photo was an emotional moment for the groom.

Each guest received a navy and champagne beribboned blue spruce sapling to plant as a remembrance of Wendy and Michael’s day. But for the couple, the letters they exchanged on the morning of their wedding are their fondest remembrances.

“i promise to love and cherish you forever,” wrote the smitten groom to his bride.

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Chantal & davidtiMeLess, V intAge & rOM A ntiCC BY PAT TI V IPOND

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Chantal Poirier, 28, glimpsed David Szmyr, 30, when the Man Team crashed her friend Lauren’s wedding shower in may 2011. She had no idea that three years later it would be her turn to walk down the aisle. and this was the man she would be walking toward.

“i walked over to the patio for a refi ll and was stopped in my tracks by a tall, blonde stranger catching some shade by the beer cooler,” said Chantal. “we introduced ourselves and engaged in small talk for the rest of the evening.”

though sparks fl ew between them, the next time they met was at Lauren’s wedding. after dancing all night, they planned a fi rst date at the toronto Zoo.

“despite the fact that we got caught in the rain and dave went through a red light, i later told my sister (and future maid of honour) Chy-anne that this was defi nitely my last fi rst date.”

Fast-forward to Christmas eve 2013. we fi nd david anxious to have Chantal open an early Christmas present at their Barrie home. She wants to wait until Christmas Day.

“He made it through to the evening,” said Chantal. “i opened a big box and found a smaller red box that >>

The lighting was low and candles were lit in the fireplace. We relaxed on a couch, stole a kiss and realized we’re married!”

“

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Details

said Canadian Diamond on it. I said ‘oh my goodness’, and he got down on one knee.”

Since July reminded them of the summer they fell in love, Chantal and David chose July 26, 2014 for their wedding date. windsor Park in Bala, a beautiful town in muskoka where they had enjoyed summer concerts, was the ceremony site. Memories of cozy nights at the Bala Bay Inn made it the place for their reception.

Rain on the morning of the wedding couldn’t dampen the high spirits of the bride, groom or their 75 guests. among them were ella and Jolla Zelichowski, cousins from Poland on their fi rst trip to Canada. with Bala Bay as their gorgeous backdrop and baskets of fl owers on shepherds’ hooks creating an aisle, the ceremony had the timeless, vintage and romantic look the couple wanted.

Chantal had her own timeless romantic look in a strapless high-low crystal-scattered ruched gown with sweetheart neckline, beaded belt and scalloped lace edging. Her bouquet of hydrangea, yellow garden and spray roses and orchids had a vintage look. Her bridesmaids

dazzled in strapless grey chiffon dresses. As they watched anxiously out the window for rain, Chy-Anne assured her sister an indoor wedding would be beautiful. But the drops stopped just before the ceremony. Chantal and David became husband and wife on the shore of Bala Bay.

“making my entrance into the ceremony at the park was a very special moment,” recalled Chantal, who exchanged personally written vows with david. “i looked out at all the faces with my dad by my side, the music and fl owers captivating the senses and my groom standing proud and waiting for me. I felt overwhelmed and had a hard time with the vows. Even our offi ciant fought back tears. david was my rock and held my hand when i needed his support.”

With Chantal and David married, everyone headed to the ’70s-style Luxe Lounge at the Bala Bay Inn to relax, chat and celebrate. Meanwhile, the bride and groom went with photographer Scott Turnbull to the town’s falls.

“it was nice just to stand still,” said Chantal. “after the cocktail hour, dave and i were alone in the lounge. The lighting was low and candles were lit in the fi replace. we relaxed on a couch, stole a kiss and realized we’re married!”

During the delicious dinner, Dave’s grandmother Helen stood up and sang ‘Sto la’ (Polish for 100 years) – a traditional Polish song sung to bless and give luck to the bride and groom.

instead of clinking glasses, the couple kissed when a guest sang karaoke. a dozen brave souls signed up to sing. Chantal and Chy-Anne dueted ‘Hold on’ by Wilson Philips, followed by the bride and groom singing ‘Picture’ by Kid rock and Sheryl Crow.

David’s dance playlist had something for everyone from ’70s classics to current hits. all enjoyed an entertaining and energetic evening.

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renee & MattsiMPLY intiM Ate

“The kids loved the day, but the Potato Festival was probably their favourite thing,” laughs Renee. “And the cake! They ate cupcakes through the parade.”“

H

DetailsJewellery/ring designerDia Amour Jewellers, Barrie

Dress shopkeira’s Bridal Wreath, Barrie

Tuxedo shop/men’s shopTimpano, Barrie

Caterer/reception Bistro Seven Seven, Alliston

Church/hallThe Gibson Centre, Alliston

Hair stylist/ Make up The Hair Gallery and Spa, alliston; make up: Melissa Rojas of Beauty By Melissa

FloristSierra Flower Trading, Mississauga

Photographer Jennifer Hibberd Photography

Table/ guest favours Sugar Sweet Farms, oro Station


How long does it take to plan a simple, beautiful wedding with a guest list of 23 family members and close friends?

if you are renee marchildon, it takes about two weeks, even when you are mom to two young children and are expecting a third bundle of joy. with determination, humour and a fl exible attitude towards details, Renee planned a joyous, intimate wedding to marry her love, Matthew McMullen, on Aug. 8, 2014.

“I said to my husband ‘we must be meant to be together because our wedding day went as smoothly as it could have gone,’” laughed renee, who lives with her family in Baxter. “Despite such short notice, it was perfect.”

the bride-to-be booked an intimate ceremony room at The Gibson Centre in Alliston and dinner at the Bistro Seven Seven in Alliston. The couple wanted an intimate, inexpensive wedding. though it was stressful to make arrangements with daughter Parker and son Levi in tow, renee decided her décor with a photo of her beloved mother who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2011. In the photo, her smiling mom is wearing a teal blouse, the ovarian cancer ribbon colour, and holding sunfl owers, the representative fl ower.

“we would have white and black with teal and sunfl owers,” said renee. “we had a table set up at the ceremony with that photo and little angel ovarian cancer pins in a black basket that everyone put on as they came in.”

a fl orist cousin in mississauga surprised renee with a huge bouquet of sunfl owers in a tall teal vase placed beside the precious photo. She also created the women’s teal ribbon-wrapped bouquets, men’s sunfl ower boutonnieres with teal peacock feathers and lined the aisle with vases of sunfl owers and blue fl ora. at the last minute, the bride found a decorator who tied the seat covers with teal sashes and jewelled bands, and covered two windows with sheer drapes over white twinkle lights as a background for the ceremony.

The couple’s wedding party was intimate with Matt’s brother Bob as best man and a brother-in-law as groomsman. Matt’s sister was Renee’s bridesmaid, and long-time friend Jessie was her maid of honour.

“Jessie and I promised from the moment we thought of weddings that we would be one another’s maid of honour,” says renee. Parker and Levi went down the aisle together adorably as fl ower girl and ring bearer.

Renee found her perfect gown when the salesperson brought out >>

one more dress that was just out of her price range. The strapless lace gown had a sweetheart beaded bodice and beading down one side. Renee felt herself tear up when she saw herself in it. She topped it with a chic headpiece with short jewel-strewn veil.

in keeping with the family theme of their wedding, Matthew proposed to Renee on Mother’s Day. renee turned around in the kitchen to fi nd him on one knee. the proposal came after matt asked Parker and Levi, then six and three years old, for permission to marry their mom.

“they just love matt,” says renee, who with her family welcomed son Grayson on Dec. 21, 2014.“They call him dad. He has been there for them for everything.”

Guests arrived at Bistro Seven Seven just in time to watch the Alliston Potato Festival Parade pass as they enjoyed a fabulous three-course meal. the couple’s log-look wedding cake had a carved heart on the side with R & M initials. mini cupcakes bearing tiny wood-look signs inscribed R & M celebrated the couple’s love of the outdoors.

“The food was probably the best I’ve ever had in my life,” recalls renee. “it’s all antibiotic-free, organic and they use local produce.”

Photographer Jennifer Hibberd took renee and Matt to a wagon with hay bales behind the Gibson Centre. They climbed up and dangled their feet, creating gleeful photos.

The day’s happiest moment came as the teary-eyed couple exchanged vows and became spouses. However, for Parker and Levi, the giant walking French fries box ruled.

“the kids loved the day, but the Potato Festival was probably their favourite thing,” laughs renee. “and the cake! they ate cupcakes through the parade.”

BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER JENNIFER HIBBERD PHOTOGR A PH Y


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Megan & DanielWINTER WEDDING BY THE FROZEN LAKE

A BY PAT TI V IPONDERIN MONE T, E V ER IM AGES PHOTOGR A PH Y

“at fi rst, they thought i was joking,” said megan Peters, 29, of her family’s reaction to her announcement that she and fi ancé daniel Sebele, 34, would be married in an outdoor ceremony beside a frozen lake in muskoka. “they asked what we would do if it was really cold? Well, if it had been really cold, we would have been inside! But we got very lucky. it was a very nice day, and quite warm which we didn’t expect.”

Megan and Daniel’s intimate winter wedding on Dec. 20, 2014 for 38 close friends and family took place at deerhurst resort in Huntsville.

the resort was the scene of their fi rst date at a company Christmas party. Both were working at Progressive waste Solutions in Bracebridge. the fi rst time megan saw dan, she called her best friends to tell them she had a very attractive boss whom she was going to end up marrying. They dated a year before becoming engaged, and married less than a year later. Warm memories of that festive fi rst date brought them back to deerhurst to become husband and wife.

“We wanted our ceremony to be at the beach on the stone patio off of the gazebo,” said megan. “it was close to the old lodge where our fi rst date took place. Unfortunately, the lodge had been demolished so after the ceremony, we had cocktail hour in the rotunda. Overlooking the frozen lake was amazing!”

megan asked her sister, Jennifer, to be maid of honour and friends Krista Lloyd-Owens and Bronwyn Russel to be bridesmaids. Bronwyn travelled from nepal, where she currently works for an NGO, for her friend’s big day. The ladies in the wedding party wore black dresses of their own selection. the bride gave each a zip-up hoodie to wear while having their hair and makeup done on the day of the wedding.

muskoka Jewelry design in Huntsville designed the bride’s engagement ring and wedding band. “they did a phenomenal job,” said Megan. “I literally won’t buy jewellery anywhere else in the future.”

with the snow-covered lake glittering in the pearly winter sun, megan walked down an aisle between guests on the lakeside stone patio to the song ‘thank You’ by Led Zeppelin. Beforehand, she shed a blue wool jacket to reveal a gorgeous maggie Sottero gown whose long train was worn bustled to protect it from the snow.

“the dress had a very wintery feel to the skirt because it was fl uffy and full,” recalled megan. “i immediately fell in love with it, so i was fi ne with walking with a bustle.”

guests, including megan’s grandmother, were seated around a fi re pit in the centre of the patio for the unique fi ve-minute ceremony.

“the weather was perfect, the air was crisp and the fi re pit >>

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Honeymoon/travel agentGodfrey Travel, Huntsville

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“For us, the highlight was being outside in a place that was so special to us and sharing it with our friends and family,”

“

looked dazzling against the setting sun,” said Megan.

after the new husband and wife kissed, everyone quickly headed for cocktails and warm hor d’oeuvres in the rotunda that was decorated with ruby red poinsettias and glowing candle jars. Photographer Erin Monet took outdoor photos of the newlyweds before moving inside for party snaps.

Guests gathered at 3 Guys and A Stove for dinner. The Huntsville restaurant was where Megan and Daniel celebrated their engagement and remains a favourite eatery. Sparkly snowball candles from Rich Hill Candles in Bracebridge cast a romantic light on guests from within mason jars stretching down the tables. Beautiful Christmas decorations in the restaurant gave the party a festive spirit.

At each place, a bottle of maple syrup from Sugar Bush Hill waited to give guests sweet memories of the day.

After marrying beside frozen water in December, the newlyweds enjoyed the balmy waters of Costa Rica at the Riu Palace Resort in February. But they savoured warm memories of their winter wedding.

“For us, the highlight was being outside in a place that was so special to us and sharing it with our friends and family,” said megan. “we were happy that everyone came and wanted to be outside. that meant a lot to us.”

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W BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER PHIL S TEINGA RD PHOTOGR A PH Y

When Ryerson University students Justine Cowie, 23, and Brendan Grime, 24, met through mutual friend and future bridesmaid, Rebecca karpus, it was not exactly love at fi rst sight.

in fact, Brendan worked for a year to convince Justine to go out with him. His persistence won her over, so much so that they announced their engagement a year-and-a-half later.

Both classic rock music fans, Justine and Brendan initially bonded over the music as their friendship grew. They agreed it was important that classic rock be incorporated into their wedding.

Their wedding date, Sept. 20, 2014, also had connection to education.

“we wanted to get married as soon as we were both out of school,” recalled Justine. “my man of honour, andrew Perry, who i’ve known since i was fi ve years old, was to complete his master’s degree and return home from Scotland in September. we scheduled our wedding for the fi rst weekend after his return.”

The night before Brendan proposed, Justine had a dream he was going to do it. But Brendan was surprised when the place he planned to propose, Dundas Square in Toronto near Ryerson, was the site of a concert. Instead, he stopped his fi ancée-to-be in the ryerson quad, told her he loved her and asked Justine to marry him. a fl eet-footed friend of Brendan’s changed locations to fi lm the proposal from a handy clump of bushes.

After visiting the nottawasaga Inn in Alliston, the couple decided on its outdoor wedding gardens for their ceremony and Crystal Ballroom for their party. The inn also had plenty of accommodation for their 200-plus guests.

Justine and Brendan’s love of classic rock infl uenced their décor and inspired them to showcase the many talented musicians among their family and friends. wedding invitations were concert tickets.

At the ceremony, best man and Brendan’s brother Scott Grimes and the groomsmen walked down the aisle to ‘going to California’ by Led Zeppelin. Two of Justine’s older brothers played guitar and sang ‘Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing’ by Aerosmith as the bridesmaids arrived. Man of honour Andrew surprised guests with a serenade of ‘When I See You Smile’ by Bad English as he walked down the aisle with the bride’s brothers on guitar and vocal harmonies.

Andrew continued to sing as Justine, dressed in a simple strapless ruched chiffon gown with mom-made beaded belt, came down the aisle on her >>

Justine & BrendanrOCK ing tHe w edding

we collected rocks from the beach and had people sign them. People put nice notes on them, so they’re quite sentimental.”“


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DetailsJewellery/ring designerMichael Hill and People’s Jewellers

Dress shopthe gown, newmarket


CatererNottawasaga Inn

Church/hall

Nottawasaga Inn – Crystal Ballroom

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Table/guest favours Vinyl record with printed wedding date;Scarves used as chair cover ribbons.


father’s arm. During the ceremony, Brendan’s grandfather gifted the couple by singing ‘Perhaps Love’. Justine’s brothers sang ‘Lost Together’ by Blue Rodeo during the signing.

guests visited a ‘box offi ce’ to fi nd seating at the reception. Photos of classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and the Beatles designated the tables. nametags were marked with the table band’s logo. Justine and Brendan even worked rock into the kissing game.

“to have us kiss, the whole table had to stand up and sing a song by their table’s band,” explained Justine. “I was surprised at how many tables did it!”

their wedding cake was dubbed the Stairway to Heaven cake after the classic Led Zeppelin song. A circular staircase ascended the vanilla cake’s layers to a summit of fl owers.

another type of rock was used for guests’ signatures.

“Brendan’s family has a farm on Lake erie,” said Justine. “we collected rocks from the beach and had people sign them. People put nice notes on them, so they’re quite sentimental.”

a fl ash mob of musical guests arranged by Justine’s mother surprised and delighted the bride and groom at the reception. Bridesmaids, brothers, a sister, Andrew and Justine’s father belted out verses of Chantal Kreviazuk’s ‘Feels Like Home’ while the rest of the guests stood and sang the choruses. Two friends in Ryerson’s dance program with Justine performed. By the end, the bride was in tears.

Raindrops replaced tears later when photographer Phil Steingard led the couple outside in the evening rain for some quiet, romantic pictures while the guests danced the night away.

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WW Laura & AlexBeAUtiFUL BACK YA r d w edding

BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER MEGA N E WING, ME CRE ATIV E

when Laura Skelding, 26, and alex Cherubin, 36, became engaged, delighted friends offered to host the couple’s reception at their new home being built in Warminster.

But as many know, construction schedules are not set in concrete. the property would not be ready for Laura and alex’s aug. 15, 2015 wedding. accordingly, the pair looked at their home in Orillia and decided the best place to party was in their own (large) back yard. Couchiching Beach Park, a pretty park on the shores of Lake Couchiching and located just a short walk down the street, would make the perfect place for a romantic wedding ceremony. Problem solved.

the pair met while working at a restaurant in Casino rama in Orillia. they had known each other about a year when Laura left to go back to school and then to england. when she returned to Ontario, they began dating. After three happy years together, Alex proposed one random Saturday morning at home. A surprised Laura accepted.

One reception decision was very easy … the groom would be the cook! >>

We both loved spending the day and night with our closest friends and family.”

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DetailsJewellery/ring designerTown’s Jewellers, Orillia

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Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: Kate Spade necklaces; Groomsmen: margaritaville fl ip-fl ops


in april 2015, the health-conscious couple opened Shine Juice Bar and Cafe in Orillia. The vegan and gluten-free eatery features a raw food menu that Laura and Alex embraced after eating a raw food diet for six months and fi nding the benefi ts undeniable. Being passionate about food and living a healthy lifestyle made Laura and alex want to make those everyday choices easier for everyone.

The day before and morning of the wedding saw Alex and friends prepping the wedding feast for their 100 guests. The buffet-style menu was designed to suit all guests’ tastes.

Set up in a spacious back yard tent festooned with hydrangea, lilies, baby’s breath and dahlias, the feast included barbecued steaks, baseball cut strip loin, swordfi sh, jerk chicken and a variety of salads. Pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres included crostini with delectable toppings.

But the busy chef/groom took time to pleasantly surprise his bride and her bridesmaids with mimosas, fl owers and chocolates at their salon/spa appointment.

Laura and alex had fi rst look photos taken by their photographer, Megan Ewing, before the wedding ceremony to be able to join their guests for the post-ceremony cocktail hour.

“alex was down by the lake and megan told him not to turn around as i came up behind him,” said Laura. “He was so happy when he saw me.”

For her lakeside wedding, Laura chose a simple strapless lace gown with a graceful fl are falling from a fi tted hip, and a lovely jewelled headpiece. She carried a bouquet of lilies,

hydrangea and baby’s breath. The bridesmaids wore short light blush dresses in self-chosen styles. The men were casual classic in light grey suits. Alex’s children Charlotte, 8, and Kayle, 5, were the fl ower girl and ring bearer.

Under fair skies and with their treasured family and friends, Laura and Alex exchanged their own vows by the lake. a favourite of the couple, local musician Taylor Abram performed during the ceremony and at the pre-dinner cocktail reception. during the cocktail hour, guests grabbed props and hit the photo booth to create a unique remembrance of the day for the bride and groom.

Though a fall honeymoon to Europe was originally in the plans, the opening of Shine has postponed the trip for a future treat. But the couple took this change of plans in stride.

“We were both really happy with the way that everything went on our day,” said Laura. “we both loved spending the day and night with all our closest friends and family.”

• Newly renovated banquet room• Seating capacity for up to 180 guests

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UAndrea & Kevin

LOV e BOAters

Until andrea morris, 43, and Kevin Hopkins, 42, met each other, power boating could have been said to be the love of their lives.

Luckily, a chance meeting in July 2013 at a waterside orillia patio through mutual friends brought the boaters together to enjoy the lakes and life together. andrea and kevin, who made Midhurst their home, were married on June 6, 2015.

“when you are a boater, everyone knows each other or their friends,” said andrea, who recognized Kevin’s brother and was introduced to kevin. “Boating is the number one pastime for both of us. For our mini-moon, we took our 33-foot Sea ray express Cruiser up to Bobcaygeon. Later, we went to Sandals Resort at Great exuma island in the Bahamas.”

kevin’s proposal to Andrea was made, unsurprisingly, near water. After sweeping her away in a limousine,

Kevin asked her to marry him at the Port of Orillia, near the waterside patio where they met. When Andrea said yes, her fi ancé broke out the champagne and asked the driver to take them to Barrie where a celebratory dinner reservation awaited.

when fi rst dating, the couple docked for lunch at the Rawley Resort Spa and Marina at Port Severn on an enthusiastic recommendation from a friend.

“we just fell in love with the place,” said andrea. “i said if we ever marry, I would love to have it here and kevin said ditto.”

the couple booked the entire rawley resort for a weekend with their 90 guests. Four waterfront lofts were reserved for the bride, groom and their parents. The wedding party and guests arrived Friday night and stayed in the luxurious main hotel and cottages. After the rehearsal that evening, the wedding party enjoyed >>

BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER SCOT T YOUNG PHOTOGR A PH Y

Jewellery/ring designeroren Jewellery Couture, north York

Dress shopSay Yes Bridal Gallery, orillia

Tux shop/men’s shop Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth avenue

CatererThe Rawley Resort Spa and Marina

Music/DJThe Handy DJ, orillia

Hair stylist/Makeup Deena Downing Dagenais Hair, orillia, Madelaine Dagenais make Up, Orillia

InvitationsRegency Printing, Mississauga

FloristSharon Street of Streets Flowers, orillia

RentalsEvents Party Rental,

Barrie

PhotographerScott Young Photography, Bracebridge

Table/guest favours Wedding Star, Calgary, Alberta

Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: Brian gluckstein glass and horn handled cheese tray and cheese cutting accessories from Hudson’s Bay, gift bag of body products, wine; Groomsmen: monogrammed toiletries bags with toiletries


Details

a cocktail party on the lofts’ waterfront patio and a delicious dinner in the dining room with piano accompaniment.

“the awesome pianist had songbooks and we sang along, kind of like an adult camp,” said Andrea.

A few of the bride and groom’s boats came with them for guests’ sightseeing trips. A groomsmen brought his cigarette boat and motored the men to Midland for lunch on the wedding day.

“That was neat because all of my bridesmaids’ husbands and some of my dad’s close friends plus the groomsmen went on the ‘fi nal’ run with Kevin,” said andrea. “meanwhile, the women had their hair done, had lunch and were hanging out and relaxing.”

Saturday’s sunny weather was perfect for the lakeside wedding ceremony. in keeping with their theme of water, boating and the outdoors, white and tiffany blue touches were used throughout the day. Andrea, dressed in a white strapless sweetheart gown festooned with daisies on the bodice and scatted throughout the tulle skirt, carried a bouquet of elegant alabaster white garden roses with subtle blue jewels. The bridesmaids, dressed in long tiffany blue chiffon gowns, held simple bouquets of white hydrangeas accented with a tiffany blue ribbon.

“my best memory is walking down the aisle with my dad to my future husband who was waiting for me,” said andrea.

After the ceremony, Andrea and kevin roared off in the cigarette boat with a ‘Just Married’ life ring attached to the stern. They soon returned to have photos taken while their guests chatted and socialized at cocktail hour.

in the dining room, fresh fl ower centerpieces on the head table echoed the wedding bouquets with white hydrangeas and roses. Dining tables were decorated coral, shells and pearls. At each seat, a mini blue and white muskoka chair candleholder and tube of lip-gloss with the couple’s names and wedding date waited for a guest. Andrea, whose family owns an orillia car dealership, used as many local vendors as possible to show support for their community.

After a bountiful dinner and heart-warming speeches, a DJ arrived to get everyone dancing. But there was one more event to come.

“My parents surprised everyone with a huge fi reworks display from a barge in front of the resort,” said andrea. “the show was spectacular.”

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theresa & tylertr A ditiOnA L A nd eLegA nt

BY PAT TI V IPONDPHOTOGR A PHER BRY MORROW PHOTOGR A PH Y

though theresa Brindley lives in the spectacular heart of the rocky mountains in Cranbrook, British Columbia, the newmarket native came back to Ontario to marry her love, tyler Kostiuk.

tyler, 31, who is from Cranbrook, met his future bride after his sister Maria ran with Theresa in a Vancouver half-marathon and sang her praises. theresa was in Cranbrook taking yoga teacher training and working at a restaurant. tyler dropped by the restaurant, chatted up Theresa, and she eventually agreed to go out with him. Two years later, the couple was engaged and Maria was a bridesmaid.

Tyler’s proposal plan needed the cooperation of Hudson, their golden retriever, and the purchase of a Princess cut Canadian diamond ring.

“Usually i have to drag tyler out to go for a walk, but that day he really wanted me to go out with him and Hudson,” recalled theresa, 28. “we walked down the street to elizabeth Lake. He called Hudson over, bent down and did something. He tried to get Hudson to run to me. I came over and Hudson was wearing collar that said ‘will you marry me?’ tyler got down on one knee. i was shocked. we got Hudson as a puppy together, so it was very special.”

a friend suggested the muskoka Bay Club in gravenhurst for their wedding reception on may 30, 2015. >>

“we talked to the event coordinator, Laurie, who was very helpful with us living in B.C.,” said theresa. “i fl ew home to check out the venue and fell in love with it. We decided to get married at the end of May because I knew the weather would be nice in muskoka. i wanted people from out west to be wowed by its beauty.”

The visit home included shopping for a wedding dress with her mom and some of her eight bridesmaids. at Superior Bridal in markham, theresa found her dream dress – a classic ball gown with tulle skirt, illusion beading on the lace bodice and a pearl and crystal waist. The bride added high heels with a starburst of rhinestones to complete the traditional, elegant look. a request to fl orist incarnations for a soft bridal bouquet brought a swirl of lovely white and pink hydrangeas and tulips.

T At St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Gravenhurst, tall vases fi lled with tulips stood beside each pew for the ceremony. With beautiful wood beams and a warm ambiance, the small town church appealed to the couple.

“Tyler and I are very down-to-earth people with very traditional values in family,” said theresa. “tyler sent me an arrangement of beautiful fl owers on the morning of our wedding while we were getting ready. He’s such a charmer.”

Many guests travelled for the nuptials. Tyler’s family, from nieces and nephews to grandparents, came from B.C. The groomsmen arrived from B.C. or Alberta.

Theresa’s brother Michael travelled from Edmonton, and sister/bridesmaid kayla Pannell arrived from Cranbrook with sisters-in-law maria and allison Kostiuk.

“When I arrived at the church, it was so emotional for me to see my three brothers and my dad waiting for me,” recalled theresa. “when i saw tyler’s face, i saw how happy he looked and maybe a little relieved since i was a bit late.”

Steve Turner, the Wedding Piper, played during the ceremony in recognition of Tyler’s mother’s Scottish background. His parents had bagpipers play at their wedding.

“After the ceremony, it was so exciting to jump in our limo and raise a glass with our closest friends,” smiled Theresa.

“to see theresa walk down the aisle toward me, was my favourite part of the day,” said tyler.

at the muskoka Club, the night began with a

fantastic dinner at tables decorated with table numbers in stylish frames, white lanterns lit with candles and fl oral arrangements in light pinks and whites. a boxed truffl e from a special chocolate shop in Cranbrook held a nametag at every seat.

after dinner, festivities kicked up a notch when dJ robert from the muskoka touring Company took over. the dJ changed costumes to become elton John or rocker dudes while playing crowd favourites that kept the d-fl oor full all night long.

When I saw Tyler’s face, I saw how happy he looked and maybe a little relieved since I was a bit late.”

“

DetailsJewellery/ring design People’s Jewellers: Princess cut Canadian diamond engagement ring

Dress shopSuperior Bridal, markham

Tux shop/men’s shop Tip Top Tailors, Barrie

Honeymoon/travel agentMontego Bay, Jamaica

Caterermuskoka Bay Club, Gravenhurst: reception and dance

Church/hallSt. Paul’s Catholic Church, Gravenhurst

Music/DJthe muskoka touring Company

PiperSteve Turner, The

Wedding Piper

Hair stylist/Makeup Krystie ann Hair & make Up, Barrie

InvitationsJenna Burns (bridesmaid) of word Essentials, Toronto

FloristIncarnations Design and Floral

PhotographerBry Morrow Photography

Table/guest favours Sweet Gestures, Cranbrook, B.C.: for a taste from the groom’s hometown

Wedding party gifts Plum Pretty Sugar; Danier Leather

Cakes/cupcakes Baked by erin, newmarket

24 Mill St. E., Tottenham905.936.6532

FreedomCountry Inn

A Taste of

www.tasteoffreedominn.com

From your ceremony in our beautifullylandscape backyard, to cocktail hourto the nal dance and every coursein between, let us take care of all thedetails for a beautiful and memorable

wedding day

Your hair and makeup for your weddingshould be as special as the day itself.

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BridalYO UR QUES T IONS A NS W E RE D

IS IT OKAY TO SEND A THANK YOU VIA EMAIL INSTEAD OF A HANDWRITTEN NOTE?while many people would say an e-thank you is better than nothing, it is still actually preferred (especially by older generations) that you send handwritten thank you cards for weddings. most guests know you’ll be busy with honeymooning and newlywed life right after the wedding, and so couples typically have up to six months after the wedding to send cards out. If guests went out of their way to book time off work, travel, give up personal time and present a gift, what’s a few minutes to send a heartfelt thank you!? if you don’t want to fuss with envelopes, you can always send customized postcards.

A friend of mine’s parents are paying for her wedding but they’re on a budget. My friend is planning to use a crowd-sourcing campaign to raise additional money to pay for an “upgrade.” I think this is completely inappropriate and insulting to her parents, but she says lots of people do it. Is it actually okay to ask strangers to pay for your wedding?

isn’t it shocking how “normal” it has become to ask perfect strangers for money? the fact is, a lot of people are using crowd-sourcing sites to raise money for all kinds of things. Surprisingly enough, perfect strangers frequently do respond and give money, so what’s the harm in asking, right? in this case though, you’re right in thinking this funding campaign could be insulting or cause embarrassment to your friend’s parents. It sends the message that they can’t afford to pay for their daughter’s wedding. If the bride-to-be doesn’t personally have the funds to cover her expensive tastes, maybe she should consider downsizing rather than potentially appearing spoiled or ungrateful to the friends and family who will surely hear about the campaign. If she does decide to go forward with the campaign, maybe your friend could post a note about how generous her parents have been and how she appreciates their support. The campaign could also be framed such that the money gathered would cover the honeymoon and other costs that the bride and the groom are personally responsible for covering, rather than covering the costs that the parents traditionally cover.

IF I MAKE MORE MONEY THAN MY FIANCÉ AND WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO MY ENGAGEMENT RING, IS THAT OKAY?this is a tricky one. Firstly, some marriage counsellors might say that the fact that you are asking a third party this question suggests that you and your fiancé need to have a heart to heart about money, and quickly! it would be important to consider how your contributing will make your future husband feel. is it okay with him? will he be insulted? are you willing to potentially forfeit the romance of the moment where your sweetheart presents with pride the ring that he worked hard to afford? Could this potentially emasculating gesture, no matter how well-intentioned, change the dynamic of your relationship forever? And what about you? Would knowing you paid, even in part, for your own ring become a point of resentment long after the honeymoon is over? Lots to think about…

My soon to be sister-in-law is a very strict vegan so she is planning a 100% vegan menu for her wedding. My brother, who is the groom, and the rest of my family are not happy about this because we are not vegan and only about 4 of the 300 guests will be. Plus my parents are paying half the catering bill. She says it’s her day, and this is really important to her and she should have what she wants. Help please!

We do see more and more couples customizing wedding menus and this often includes “free” elements: fat-free, nut-free, dairy-free, alcohol-free, gluten-free, fish-free, even cake-free. Many people appreciate these considerations and most of us respect that others have a right to their personal philosophies, principles, and lifestyle. in this case, the “bride’s day” aside, to force what many understand as a point of personal politics on up to 300 guests is really not very gracious. If the future in-laws are paying half the bill, some consideration should be given to what they might want too. How about a compromise whereby one or two of the courses are vegan, or perhaps the bride’s meal is vegan, or maybe there is at least one non-vegan choice offered guests. If the bride insists on having her way, etiquette would dictate that she needs to include a notation that the menu is strictly vegan.

IS IT OKAY TO POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA BEFORE PERSONALLY TELLING YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY?Sure, posting news of your engagement on social media BEFORE telling your family and friends is a great idea, but only if you want to hurt, and possibly irreparably offend the very people you will likely rely on to help you plan and pay for your wedding. Are your mom and dad even using social media? Imagine how upset they’d be if they aren’t online often and learn the news from someone they don’t know well. it’s a good idea to think about how others might react to social media postings too. What about the best friend who expected to be your maid of honour, but learns from Facebook that a colleague is standing up for you? What about your new boss who just found out via Twitter that you’ve eloped to Mexico and won’t be in next week? the cell phone is practically glued to your hand for goodness sake, so phone your parents!

30% of brides

are considering wearing a

coloured wedding dress.

Is it okay to wear

white to a wedding?

More than 50% of

couples will invite between

100 – 200 guests

to their wedding:

30% 100 – 150 guests

22% 150 – 200 guests

16% 200 – 250 guests

16% 50 – 100 guests

9% Over 250 guests

6% Under 50 guests

say: NO WAY!!

say: Why not!?

81%

19%

E TIQUE T TE

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It’s all about CON V E N I E NCE & QUA L I T Y for the busy newlywed! From engagement parties to bridal showers to gift ideas for the couple’s big day,

here are some of the most popular local trends to consider.

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A R T I C L E B Y S A M E E R C H H A B R A

There is no denying that weddings can be demanding to plan. Between fi nding the perfect date, the perfect place, the perfect cake, and arranging the perfect seating plan, wedding planning can be an arduous task. Luckily for grooms and their groomsmen, deciding what to wear is not only one of the easiest parts of wedding plan, it can also be one of the most interesting. Joel McDonough, Manager of Collins Formal Wear explains that when it comes to wedding fashion, everything depends on the bride’s dress. Whether she’s wearing a fl owing gown or an elegant ensemble, the bride’s dress style and colour affects everything from the groom’s choice in suit to their pocket square selection.

SUIT-A ND -TIE OR DELUXE T UX?When it comes to male wedding fashion, the traditional option – jacket and pants – comes in two varieties. Grooms can either decide to wear a classic tuxedo, or a more modern suit-and-tie ensemble. However, Joel explains that very few grooms are going with the suit-and-tie option this season. He says it’s because a classic tuxedo makes a groom look more refi ned and sophisticated, but also because a suit isn’t always fancy enough for the big day.

“it’s all about the tuxedo,” says Joel. “Part of the reason is because a classic suit typically has plastic buttons. once you put plastic buttons next to a bride’s dress, most people agree that a suit simply isn’t formal enough for a wedding.”

Joel recommends grooms go with a tuxedo. today’s grooms opt for a slim-fi t tuxedo in a light charcoal, beige, or mid-grey colour. A slim-

“You need to make sure that the groom’s

colours match the bride’s,” explains Joel McDonough, Manager of Collins Formal Wear in kitchener. “It’s best to keep things simple

in order to make things as visually appealing as

possible.”

fi t option gives the tuxedo a tailored fi nish, while light colours complement a bride’s dress.

Finally, if it’s a choice between renting and buying a tuxedo outright, Joel explains that almost 90 per cent of his customers opt to rent their wedding tuxedo.

K EEPING IT SIMPLEWhile grooms and their groomsmen have a certain amount of creative freedom in choosing their tuxedos, they need to make sure that everything else they wear matches the bride’s dress. For Joel, the issue comes down to dressing for the event and dressing for a photograph. “i fi nd that a lot of brides and grooms come to us with an idea sourced from the internet,” explains Joel. “However, a lot of the pictures online are staged and set up by a photographer. often, couples will come in with so many ideas for mixing and matching colours that their ideas end up being perfect for a photograph, but not necessarily for an actual wedding.”

BOW TIE OR NECK T IE ?it’s a diffi cult decision to make, but it’s one that every groom needs to have fi gured out before the big day: bow tie or neck tie? On one hand, the classic, simple elegance of a bow tie can never be replicated. On the other hand, neck ties are modern, youthful, and sophisticated.

“This year, bow ties have been more popular than in the past – grooms have noticeably been renting more and more bow ties,” says Joel. “Can I say that bow ties have taken over? maybe not. Personally, i’ve always preferred a neck tie, but i’m also starting to wear bow ties more and more.”

Bow ties offer a number of benefi ts over their neck-fi tted cousins. as a small accent piece bow ties show more of a wearer’s shirt and offers a classic look that can do no wrong.

OXFORDS, NOT BROGUESWedding fashion is a highly subjective affair with every bride and every groom having an opinion on suit colour and shirt texture. But when it comes to shoes, Joel is quick to draw the line: oxfords, not brogues.

“We don’t carry any brogue shoes for tuxedos,” says Joel. “When it comes to

shoes, customers like oxfords – they’re simple, smooth, sleek, and plain. i can talk customers into a number of funky ideas, but when it comes to shoes, almost everyone agrees: they want oxfords, not brogues.”

ENJOY THE DAY – IT ONLY H A PPENS ONCEJoel offers simple advice for nervous brides and grooms: confer with a wedding planner and consult with a tuxedo rental business.

“The simplest thing is to come to a tuxedo business where people specialize in weddings and where people care about weddings,” concludes Joel. “As long as we talk everyone through the process, we can make prepping a groom the easiest part of a wedding. Brides and grooms need to go to a place that can provide advice – even advice on what to avoid.”

“If you’re nervous, all you need to do is come and see us,” says Moe. “I promise, we will simplify things and have you walking out of the store not only relieved, but also looking your fi nest!” Simply put, before getting married, talk to someone who knows weddings.



A beautiful bride begins with BE AU T I F U L SH A PE W E A R . Invest in the very best that you can afford. after all, you want to select undergarments that will work overtime so that you LOOK & F EEL

as SPECI A L as YOU R W EDDI NG DAY, even once the day has passed!

A R T I C L E B Y B E T H W I L S O N

BRIDA LLingerie

SHAPEWEARThe shapewear you select is dependent upon the style of your bridal gown. If your gown is open at the neck, or is lacy, sheer or off the shoulder, then a strapless or low back corset will enhance those curves he loves and ensure that your shapewear is hidden from view. Boning gives corsets a unique waist-cinching feature that accentuates the bust and hips, creating a smooth look while preventing fabrics from bunching up. Many have lacing at the back that allows for some adjustment. the trick with corsets is to find the right balance between comfort and support.

Bridal bustiers are a good option if you want to enhance your bust line. Similar to corsets, the bustier provides an abundance of upper body support and comfort without straps. Steadfast bustiers are a bridal staple because they smooth and contour the bodice, are comfortable and perfect for gowns with lower backs. Some have hidden underwire and cups with removable push-up pads to create the cleavage you want. A bustier doesn’t provide the same waist-cinching qualities as a corset, so pair it with control panties that will hug your tummy, waist and hips.

TRENDING

with the multitude of ethereal, lacy and sheer gowns making their way down the runways during Barcelona Bridal week 2015, braless, skin-baring, and lingerie-inspired gowns will have many forward-thinking brides redefi ning tradition shapewear!

MERMAID This style is fitted, so a body-suit that will support the bust, slim the waist and show off your shapely curves is best. A strapless bra and high-waisted control shorts is another good choice.

BALLGOWN OR A-LINE You have plenty of options. A bustier will support the bust and create a smooth silhouette.

BACKLESS Find yourself a good seamstress and have bra cups sewn into your gown.

PLUNGING a plunging bra or bodysuit works best, but never underestimate the power of a good set of pasties!

A BIT ABOUT COLOUR Most bridal shapewear comes in a multitude of soft pastels including blush, nude, silver, ivory, and white. match your skin tone as closely as possible for sheer bridal gowns. although black is alluring, best to save it as a sexy surprise for the honeymoon!

Personalizing your gifts with the recipient’s initials or the wedding date is popular, and almost anything can be monogrammed!

Getting ready’ gifts for bridesmaids enhance the magic of your big day. Personalized bathrobes or track pants for fall and winter weddings are cute and fun. Special hangers to display these items on – woodgrain, painted, or wire – are a perfect keepsake and will stand out in your wedding photos too.

Leading up to your wedding day, taking your bridesmaids to the spa for some R&R will definitely be met with approval.

Jewellery never goes out of style. Dog tags, bars, or hearts have ample space for a personal message, but keep it short and sweet! totes, clutches, and cosmetic bags, which are fantastic choices on their own, can be stuffed with goodies and made into ‘emergency kits’ for your special day. don’t forget the tissues!

timeless thank you gifts for guys include pocket knives, bottle openers, and money clips. Have fun and top gifts with a pair of bright socks that will peek out in wedding photos. ask yourself, what brings you together as friends? If you met playing baseball, choose to personalize a bat. If you were childhood friends that shared a love of comic books, go with superhero cufflinks. For the DIY-er, your groomsmen will love to receive a mini bar in a jar. Buy large glass jars and fill them with an assortment of mini liquor bottles.

For mom and dad, an enduring favourite is wedding albums or framed photos. Some

A R T I C L E B Y V I C T O R I A F E T H

many people help to make your wedding day into a M E MORY that you will C H E R ISH for the rest of your life. Don’t forget to say ‘ T H A N K YOU’ in a way that’s YOU-N IQU E , so your helpers remember your special day just as fondly!

T H E C A K E B OX | A N N E E D G A R P H O T O G R A P H Y

couples choose to honour their parents at the reception with a small display of their old wedding photos.

Experts suggest that candy bars, where guests make their own favours by mixing various candy in a souvenir box or bag, are a crowd-pleasing alternative to individual gifts.

And if you’re throwing a bridal shower, don’t overlook shower favours! One bakery recently made cookies in the shape of Chanel n°5 perfume bottles for a Chanel-themed shower.

However you choose to say thank you, through an extravagant rehearsal dinner or a day-of round of golf, make sure that it represents who you are and who you’re giving to!

TH A NKYou!The perfect way to celebratethe special moments in life!

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It’s become a popular trend – invite all your friends and family for an engagement party or special event and once they’ve all arrived, make your grand debut in your tux and gown and reveal that it’s not just a big event but, in fact, your big day. That’s what Michelle Goddard of Hamilton chose to do.

Michelle originally planned to go down south for her wedding but after realizing that it wasn’t feasible for everyone she wanted at her wedding, she suggested to her fiancé, John-Tyler, that they do something local at a restaurant. That’s when her fiancé had the golden idea: why don’t we surprise everybody?

The couple, who had been together for 12 years, decided to invite all their friends and family to an engagement party at the Aberdeen Tavern in Hamilton and continue the act even once guests started to arrive.

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when you’re caught thinking too long about what your guests might be expecting. One surefire way to eliminate

stress related to guest expectations is to ensure that your guests aren’t expecting anything at all – by su r pr isi ng t h e m w i t h you r w eddi ng.

A R T I C L E B Y A L I YA k A n A n I & P H o T o G R A P H Y B Y E M M A k AT E P H o T o G R A P H Y

we a re ge t ting m a rried!Surprise

“We showed up in engagement clothes and then later, I went upstairs in the restaurant and got changed. I brought my parents up and my parents were absolutely surprised,” Goddard said. “When we went downstairs and we got married, it was probably the coolest thing ever.”

So what made Michelle decide to actually follow through on this wild plan? “We sat down and we decided what the most important things were to us. one of them was that we wanted our friends and family to just be there and have a great time. We wanted amazing food and alcohol, but not the circus that would go on with a big wedding. So that’s why we did it,” michelle said.

keeping the secret was difficult, said michelle. One of the difficult tasks was shopping for a dress with her mom for a wedding much sooner than her mom realized.

“My mom flew in from Prince Edward Island and I had to set up all the appointments and tell everybody at the shops that I was actually getting married in may,” michelle said.

Another challenge was convincing friends and family that they needed to attend the engagement party. For some family members, the only solution was spilling the beans. For example, Michelle’s sister-in-law lives in Paris, so they filled her in on the plan to ensure that she could attend their big day.

Michelle said the hardest part was not being able to talk about the momentous occasion with her best friend. However, she got through it by talking to strangers and acquaintances, and bringing one special friend in on the plan.

“i talked to everybody else but my friends about it which was kind of fun. i would get a coffee at a local coffee shop and they would know that i was getting married,” michelle said.

one of Michelle’s closest friends also got in on the plan, which helped her keep her

secret. This friend helped Michelle with her DIY flowers, invitations, and other small things that came up.

“My best friend who was my maid of honour didn’t know until i called her up when i was standing at the alter, and asked her to join me in the ceremony,” michelle said.

one of the highlights of Michelle’s day was the reaction from the crowd once the secret was revealed. “the crowd went nuts,” she said. “that was, i think, the craziest part. Somebody described it as though they felt like the whole time the match was lit on a long piece of dynamite and the 45 minutes prior to us getting married was the fuse burning down, and the second I came out in my wedding dress, people put it all together. It was such a great time and you could feel the energy. it was unlike any wedding i’ve ever been to.”

So what kind of couples should take this unusual route to nuptials? Michelle says it’s for laid-back couples with great, supportive parents.

“Some parents like to be involved in the planning process. our parents were really hands-off, which is what we were looking for,” michelle said. “if you don’t want a big lavish wedding and you want something that’s really organic and just a ton of fun, with people there for the right reasons.” Ultimately, Michelle said she doesn’t have any regrets with her unique surprise wedding.

“I don’t think I would change anything – I would have done everything exactly the same!”

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5.Less about what you’re

serving and more about how

you’re serving it. Miniature mason jars wrapped in

ribbon, dessert cups adorned with fl owers, nibblies

stuffed in a stemless wine glass

or a martini glass.

4.Comfort food: mac and cheese, pulled pork slider

burgers and fries, chili,

nona’s spaghetti

and meatballs,

pizza.

2.Late-night snacks: Cajun poutine, catfi sh po’boys, na’an sandwiches or pork and bok choy dumplings. International street food via pop-up food stands or on wheels will give your midnight noshing true street cred.

1.Fresh, organic and locally sourced ingredients.

3.Theme tables

or food stations: love is sweet

dessert table, omelette bar at a midday

wedding, gooey grilled cheese

sandwich station or

a milk and cookies late night snack

bar.

tOP trends in FOOd

bridal looksFree Spirited Bride (1)The free spirited bride opts for a casual affair with whimsical details and a romantic love story. This bride appreciates the beauty of natural textures combined with a few glitzy touches. Loose fl orals, mix and match jewellery and a slip dress suit her best.

Classic Bride (2)The classic bride has a well structured ensemble. Every detail is coordinated and the colours are rich. High importance is placed on traditions, which are incorporated into every aspect of the bride's look. a classic dress adorned by pearl and crystal jewellery creates a timeless elegance.

Avant-Garde Bride (3)The avant-garde bride isn’t afraid of bold colours and shapes. This bride is ultra fashionable and is inspired by the adventure and magic of a big city. This wedding is chic and sophisticated, the details are distinctive and everything from the dress to the hair-do is modern and trendy.

Photography monika Szymczak www.thephotoavenue.comMakeup amy Jaynes Stickney facebook.com/amy.jaynes.stickney.makeupHair maia Zeman www.oiseausalon.comAccessories Karolina Keeler www.karolinakeeler.comModel Maja BojanowiczFlowers Charmed Flowers www.charmedflowers.netWritten Content by Catherine www.thecreativedetails.ca

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after the ceremony and before the

dinnerThe hour gap between the

ceremony and the reception gives everyone a chance to mingle and

sets the mood for the reception to follow. A hot chocolate station is a great way to warm your guests and brings a cheery ambiance to winter weddings. Get creative with heart-shaped marshmallows, cinnamon

sticks, sprinkles, cherries, and whipped cream, or add your

favourite liqueur for extra warmth.

Another sweet and memorable option is a cotton candy machine. You can coordinate this sugary treat to match your colour scheme, and since most people associate cotton candy with fairs and carnivals it instantly creates a fun party atmosphere.raising your glass

with a signature drinkCreating his and hers signature drink selections lets you choose cocktails

featuring your favourite liquors or drinks that have a special meaning, whether it was what you were sipping on your first

date or at the time he proposed. Create a stylized menu board that includes the name, ingredients, and significance for each of your

recommendations. You can also opt for a cocktail that matches your colour scheme.

Whatever you select don’t forget to offer the same drink as a mocktail. The same

ingredients minus the liquor allows children and non-alcohol drinkers enjoy as well.

giving favoursThe small gifts you give your guests at the reception are your own special way of saying thank you, and they can be as creative and original as you like. Keepsake mementos like bottle stoppers or wine glasses can have your names and wedding date etched into them. Edible treats like customized cookies, chocolates, and jams are inexpensive and always popular.

Eco-friendly favours like flower bulbs, tree seedlings, and potted plants are becoming increasingly fashionable. Charitable donations are another less traditional option, where you bequeath money to your favourite charity in the names of your guests.

updating the wedding march

Many couples are choosing to have live music not only as they walk down the aisle,

but throughout the entire ceremony; while the officiant speaks and the

vows are exchanged.

“Having live music at weddings is more popular than ever, and having music as background throughout

the ceremony creates a certain ambiance,” says

classical guitarist Juneyt.

During the reception live music is often alternated

with a disc-jockey spinning recorded music and a new

twist is having a live musician accompany

the recording.

Bottle Stoppers Available at

Bed, Bath & Beyond

T H E C A K E B OX

can have your names and wedding date etched into them. Edible treats like customized cookies,

Colourful and patterned socks are an easy and affordable way for guys to add personality and fl are to their wedding fashion ensembles. Find a variety of patterns and

colours at Collins Formal Wear.

J U N E Y T

enter and sign inWedding guest books are a great way to remember all of the people who were a part of your special day. A Polaroid camera with plenty of film lets them leave a photo along with their thoughts.

You can forego the traditional guest book altogether and opt to have your guests sign something more personal that represents you as a couple. If you’re wine lovers, leave metallic pens for your guests to sign a bottle of your favourite vintage. Guitars for music lovers or a pair of skis for sports enthusiasts make unique conversation pieces that can be displayed in your home.

capturing the moment Those who choose to save time during their wedding day and have their bridal portraits taken before the wedding may want to consider taking advantage of the golden hour. This is the time shortly before and after sunrise or sunset, when the soft light creates rich warm hues making it the optimum time to take photographs. It also gives you a chance to get to know your photographer, and allows you to take your time and get the best shots without feeling rushed so you can spend more time with guests on your wedding day.

Bride and groom first-looks are still popular, but the moment when the father of the bride sees his daughter in her wedding gown and is ready to walk her down the aisle is a moment many brides are also choosing to capture.

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by invitation onlyYour wedding invitation is your guests' first glimpse into the type of celebration they can expect from your wedding day! Handwritten invitations are intimate and show your guests how special they are to you. Calligraphy offers a classic elegant style that is a little more formal. Envelope liners add a chic element to compliment your invitations, and come in a variety of designs and colours.

Personalized illustrations and photographs are another way to showcase your personalities and create one-of-a-kind invitations. Maps can individualize your invitations while providing useful information. Particularly handy for out-of-town guests, a customized map can not only give directions to the wedding and reception, but also show the best places to park, find a hotel, or a restaurant serving breakfast the next morning.

Your presence is joyfull y re quested . . .

the wedding plannerHiring a Wedding Planner to look after the details allows you to relax and focus on what’s important to you while someone else is making phone calls, getting quotes, and looking after all those little details that matter, but you really don’t have time for.

This is what they do for a living and they know how to help you create your vision by seeing the larger picture when you may be overwhelmed.

N I N A P O L I D O R O P H O T O G R A P H Y & A L L T H I N G S L O V E LY PA P E R C O .

K N A R J E W E L L E R Y

Rose gold is growing in popularity as it suits the vintage and rustic styles that many brides are aiming for this season. The colour is also very fl attering on a variety of skin types, which

contributes to its popularity. Stacks of multi-colour rings together is also trending.

K N A R J E W E L L E R Y

12

10 2Your wedding to-do's & w h e n to d o t h e m!

T HE

12 OR MORE MONTHS BEFORE

determine potential dates and times for your weddingdecide on the size, formality and setting for your weddingCreate a wedding and engagement budgetbook the locations of your ceremony and receptionmeet with and book the offi ciating clergyChoose your wedding party and participantsChoose your wedding ringsdraw up your initial guest listorganize your engagement partydecide if you are having a stag & doe party

10 MONTHS BEFORE

order your wedding dress and attendants’ attirebook your photographer/videographerbook your catererbook your decoratorbook your live entertainment or dJbook your fl oristorder your wedding cake/dessertsreserve any rental items from the rental companyregister your gift choices at your favourite store(s)research accommodation for out-of-town guestsmail out save the dates

7 MONTHS BEFORE

decide on your menubook your musicians/dJreserve your limousine serviceorder your invitationsCheck marriage licence requirementsdecide on a stag & doe venue

4 MONTHS BEFORE

Finalize your guest listChoose the reader for your ceremonyFinalize your order with the fl oristreserve the men’s wedding attiremake an appointment with your hairdressermake appointments for nails and makeup

2 MONTHS BEFORE

mail the invitationsdecide on your wedding vows or compose your ownFinalize the reception menusConfi rm the wedding details with the musicians and clergyorder day-of stationerypurchase gifts for parents and attendantsschedule fi nal dress fi tting for bride and attendants

1 MONTH BEFORE

Apply for a marriage licenceplan the rehearsal dinnermeet with photographer and videographer

2 WEEKS BEFORE

draft your speechesFinalize reception detailsCall any guests who have not repliedConfi rm details with your hairdresser and makeup artistgive song lists to musicians or play lists to dJ

1 WEEK BEFORE

Finalize seating plandetermine the order for the processionhave your rehearsal dinnerConfi rm accommodation reservationspick up the attire for the groomsmenConfi rm the fi nal numbers with the catererConfi rm details with limousine companydeliver your marriage licence to the offi ciantwrite any cheques required for the wedding day

DAY OF

give wedding bands to the best mangive the best man any cheques that will need to be given outpresent the attendants and parents with their giftsrelax and enjoy your special day!

List

P H O T O G R A P H B Y E L I S H A K P H O T O G R A P H Y


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EVERYWHERE

CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL EDITION

Wedding Trends magazine can be found online as a digital version identical to the printed version. in this magazine, you can fi nd the latest trends in all areas of wedding planning, as well as local vendors. Wedding Trends magazine also includes a helpful planner to keep your wedding on track that you can download from www.theweddingtrends.com.

FOLLOW WEDDING TRENDS ON PINTEREST

Finding inspiration became easier than ever before with the creation of Pinterest. on this virtual bulletin board, you can explore wedding themes, décor, cakes, photography, and many other things to fi gure out what makes you happy. more importantly, Pinterest provides a way to show your vendors what you’re looking for. Check our Pinterest for loads of wedding inspiration at www.pinterest.com/grandrivershows.

PInTEREST.CoM/GR AnDRIVERSHoWS

FACEBook.CoM/WEDDInGTREnDSBRIDAL

T WIT TER.CoM/WEDDInGTREnDSWR

P H O T O G R A P H B Y E L I S H A K P H O T O G R A P H Y

P�anner Get inspired by local Real Weddings

USE THESE PAGES TO HELP PLAN YOUR WEDDING OR

GO ONLINE TO VIEW OUR DIGITAL EDITIONS AT. . .

s imcoe.com

T R E N D SP�annerP�anner T R E N D S


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26Real Wedding�


10 PLANNING

PAGES

T R E N D S

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12 OR MORE MONTHS BEFORETo BE CoMPLETED BY __________________________________________

Determine potential dates and times for your weddingDecide on the size, formality and setting for your weddingCreate a wedding and engagement budgetReserve the locations of your wedding and receptionmeet with and book the offi ciating clergyChoose your wedding party and participantsChoose your wedding ringsDraw up your initial guest listorganize your engagement partyDecide if you are having a Stag & Doe partyother _______________________________________________ _______________

9–12 MONTHS BEFORETo BE CoMPLETED BY _______________________________________

order your wedding dress and attendants’ attireBook your photographer/videographerReserve a catererArrange for decor, chair covers and linensBook your live entertainment or dJreserve your fl oristOrder your wedding cakeReserve any rental items from the rental companyRegister your gift choices at your favourite storeResearch accommodation for out-of-town guestsPlan your honeymoonMail out ‘Save the Date’ Cardsother ______________________________________________________________


Decide on your menuReserve the musicians and soloist for your ceremonyReserve your limousine serviceorder your invitations and any other stationeryorder bombonieres for your guestsmother’s outfi ts are chosenCheck marriage licence requirementsDecide on a Stag & Doe Venueother ______________________________________________________________


Finalize your guest listChoose the reader for your ceremonyFinalize your order with the fl oristReserve the men’s wedding attiremake an appointment with your hairdressermake appointments for nails and makeupother ______________________________________________________________

2 MONTHS BEFORETo BE CoMPLETED BY _______________________________________

Mail the invitationsDecide on your wedding vows or compose your ownFinalize the reception menusConfi rm the wedding details with the musicians and clergyHave the programs printed

Purchase gifts for parents and attendants

Schedule fi nal dress fi tting for bride and attendants

other ______________________________________________________________

1 MONTH BEFORE

To BE CoMPLETED BY _______________________________________

Apply for a marriage licence

Plan the rehearsal dinner

Meet with photographer and videographer

other ______________________________________________________________

2 WEEKS BEFORE

To BE CoMPLETED BY ________________________________________

Have the attendant’s parties

Draft the speeches

Finalize reception details

Call any guests who have not replied

Confi rm details with your hairdresser and make–up artist

Deliver song lists to musicians or play lists to DJ

Confi rm honeymoon reservations

other ______________________________________________________________

1 WEEK BEFORE

To BE CoMPLETED BY _______________________________________

Finalize seating plan

Determine the order for the procession

Have your rehearsal

Confi rm accommodation reservations

Pick up the attire for the groomsmen

Confi rm the fi nal numbers with the caterer

Confi rm details with limousine company

deliver your marriage licence to the offi ciant

Create a seating arrangement for the reception and write out place

cards

Choose someone to hand out the favours

Choose someone to return any rented items after the wedding

Write any cheques required for the wedding day

Pack for your honeymoon

other ___________________________________________________

ON THE DAYGive the wedding bands to the best man

Give the best man any cheques that will need to be given out

Present the attendants and parents with their gifts

relax and enjoy your special day!

other ______________________________________________________

Wedding P�anner Wedding P�anner

in addition to the standard wedding Planning Checklist, consider the following items when planning a destination wedding.

DESTINATION WEDDING CHECKLIST

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION & SELECT A WEDDING DATEWhen selecting your destination, consider the following

decide what time of year you would like to get married and select a preferred

determine the style of wedding you would like to have – traditional, informal etc.

Choose the setting you would like for your wedding – historic, exotic, seaside, countryside etc.

Consider he cultural experience you would like you and your guests to have – a holiday in the sun, a trek through the jungle, gourmet delight etc.

Choose the climate you would like for your wedding day

determine the time of year you would like your wedding to take place in – what will the weather conditions be like at that time of year?

What is the average cost to get married in a particular country

if you would like to have a large or small wedding – how far your guests will have to travel will affect how many people will be able to attend

How easy it is to plan a wedding in a particular country – could you plan your own wedding, would you have to use a Tour operator or Wedding Planner?

The legal and residential requirements for getting married in a particular country

other ______________________________________________________________

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS Contact the Foreign embassy or Consulate to confi rm the legal and residential requirements to get married in the country of your choice.Understand the time frame and the steps that must be completed to

ensure your marriage can take place.other _____________________________________________________________

COMPILE GUEST LIST think about who you would like to spend your wedding day with and compile a guest list.

Speak to guests as early as possible in order to estimate the numbers that may attend. this will help when speaking to wedding Planners, Tour operators, Suppliers and choosing your wedding venues.

other ______________________________________________________________

PLAN YOUR WEDDING ABROADdetermine how much you would like to spend on your wedding

determine the style of wedding you would like to have and how

much involvement you would like to have in its planning.

decide if you would like to use a wedding Planner, a tour operator or plan your wedding yourself.

EXTRA ACTIVITIES When getting married abroad most couples hold extra activities and celebrations.

Decide if you will have a rehearsal or pre-wedding day dinner

decide if you will have a post wedding day breakfast or lunch.

if you are holding extra celebrations investigate and book appropriate venues.

Decide if you will organise group sightseeing activities. Investigate possible activities.

Decide if you will have a party upon your return home. If yes, add this to your budget, compile a guest list and investigate and book venue.

other ______________________________________________________________

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS FOR GUESTSInvestigate and select a range of suitable accommodation for your

guests. ensure you fi nd accommodation that caters for all budgets.

ask hotels if they will offer a special rate for your guests.

Confi rm what date your guests must book by to secure accommodation.

Determine if a deposit must be paid. Will this deposit be refundable if a guest does not use the accommodation?

Determine if a hotel will be willing to put information in your guests’ rooms example welcome letters & gifts.

decide if you will book accommodation on your guests’ behalf or ask your guests to book their own accommodation.

if your guests are going to book their own accommodation, compile a list of recommended hotels to go in their information pack. Be sure to mention any special rates and booking reference codes.

ask the hotel if they provide airport transfers. Provide your guests with this information in their information pack.

Determine where you guests are staying and when they arrive and depart

other_______________________________________________________________

GUEST INFORMATIONCompile information pack or set up a wedding website. this

information should be given to guests with their invitations.

Write a wedding welcome letter to put in your guests’ hotel rooms. This is a nice surprise for your guests and a good way of re-iterating the itinerary for your celebrations.

other ______________________________________________________________

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FLOWERS

Bouquets/Boutonnières:Ceremony:Reception:Rehearsal Dinner:other:

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographer:Videographer:Albums:Engagement Photos:Additional Prints:Disposable Camera:

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation for Wedding Party:Guest Shuttle:Parking attendant:other:

STATIONERY

Invitations:

Response Cards:

thank-you Cards:

Postage:

guest Book:

other:

MUSIC

Ceremony Musicians:

Wedding Band:

DJ:

Cocktail Hour musicians:

Sound System Rental:

other:

GIFTS

Bridesmaids:

Groomsmen:

Parents:

out of Town Guests:

other:

D E S C R I P T I O N E S T I M AT E D E P O S I T PAY M E N T S B A L A N C E A C T UA L

CEREMONY

Decorations:Location Fee:Offi ciant Fee:Marriage License:Musicians Fees:Ring Pillows:Rentals:other:

RECEPTION

Decorations:Location Fee:Food:drinks:Favours:Rentals:Cake:Favors:other:

ATTIRE

Bridal Dress:Headpiece, Veil:Undergarments and hosiery:Shoes:Accessories:Jewelry:Bridal makeup/nails:Bridal Hair:Groom’s Tuxedo/Suit:Groom’s Shoes:Bow tie/cuff links, accessories:other:

RINGS

Bride’s Wedding Ring:Groom’s Wedding Ring:Engraving:

D E S C R I P T I O N E S T I M AT E D E P O S I T PAY M E N T S B A L A N C E A C T UA L

Wedding P�anner Wedding P�annerBUDGETBUDGET

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COSTSWhat is the facility rental fee? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Is there a ceremony fee? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________what is the set-up/break-down fee? __________________________________________________________________________________________________what is the staffi ng fee? _________________________________________What is the overtime fee? ________________________________________Is there a fee for security personnel? ________________________________________________________________________________________________

SERVICESDoes the site provide staff such as an on-site coordinator?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Does the site provide items such as tables, chairs, chair covers?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________does the ceremony site provide adequate parking space or valets? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What are the costs involved? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Does the site provide on-site security. What are the costs involved?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Does the site have a liquor licence? __________________________________________________________________________________________________

AMENITIESAre there changing rooms for the bridal party? ___________________Are there picturesque locations for photo opportunities? Both inside and out? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________are there suffi cient restroom facilities? ___________________________Is there, or can you set up, a coat room? _____________________________________________________________________________________________Is the facility in a desirable location? Consider the view and any potential noise interruptions. Is it easy to get to? Is it close to any nearby attractions?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Is there a podium/microphone? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________Is a sound system required? _____________________________________

TERMSWhat is the length of the facility rental? Is there an overtime fee if your ceremony lasts longer? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Will you allow photographs and video during the ceremony?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Do you have use of the entire site? If not– what areas can your party use? ____ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What is the deposit and when is the remainder due? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What is the cancellation policy? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________are there restrictions on food or drinks in any areas? _________________________________________________________________________________are candles or open fl ames allowed? _____________________________Does the site have any music or noise restrictions? __________________________________________________________________________________are there any decorating restrictions? (ie. hanging items from the ceiling / walls) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Will there be another ceremony during, before or after yours? If so, how will this affect your event? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________if an outdoor location, are there backup plans for rain or inclement weather? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Is there a place to put up a tent? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Are there enough chairs for the ceremony or will you need to rent additional seating? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wedding P�anner Wedding P�annerINVITATION TIMELINECEREMONY SITE

PRE-WEDDInG: Save the Date Cards Qty _____________ $ ______________ Wedding Announcement ________________ $ ______________

WEDDING INVITATION COMPONENTS: outer Envelope Qty __________ __ $ ______________ optional Inner Envelope Qty __________ __ $ ______________ Invitation Qty __________ __ $ ______________ Reception Card Qty __________ __ $ ______________ Directions / Map Card Qty __________ __ $ ______________ Response Card Qty __________ __ $ ______________ Save the Date Cards Qty __________ __ $ ______________ Wedding Announcement ________________ $ ______________

THANK-YOU CARDS Shower thank-You Cards Qty __________ __ $ ______________ wedding thank-You Cards Qty __________ __ $ ______________ Response Card Qty __________ __ $ ______________

9 MONTHS/1 YEARBegin working on your guest list so you will know how many • wedding invites (and maybe save the dates) to eventually order (one per single adult, couple or family invited).Start your wedding invitation shopping so you can narrow your • choices down to only your favorites. Be sure to order samples, which are usually blank, so you can personally see the paper and design.If you are planning to mail out save the date cards to guests, • begin searching for your preferred design of them as well.

7 /8 MONTHSIf you will be sending save the dates, place your order based on • the number of guests to whom you will be mailing them as they are optional.Review sample wedding invitation verses and give some • thought as to how your wording will read.If sending save the dates, prepare and mail them.•

6 MONTHSSelect your wedding invitation design and gather all the details • that will be printed on them such as date, times, name and ad-dress of location(s), etc.Determine what invitation enclosures or extras you will also be • ordering – reception cards, response cards, pre-printed return address on envelopes, direction/map cards, decorative envelope seals, colored lining for inner envelopes, matching thank you cards or informal notes, etc. Some of these options may not be available depending on your chosen style. You may also be able to order matching menu, table and place cards for your design. The more items you can order together, the more you will save by avoiding separate shipping costs later.

if you are including response cards, check with your dinner loca-• tion to see how far in advance they need your fi nal guest count so you can select the RSVP date that will be printed on them (typically 2–3 weeks before wedding). You also need to decide whose address will be printed on the response envelope or post-card (meaning they will receive the replies).If you are doing your own invitations, create and mail one to • yourself to see how they hold up through the mail.

4/5 MONTHSFinalize your wording and place your wedding invitation order. • Remember to order some extras now so you won’t run out if there are last-minute guests to invite and so you also have a few as keepsakes. if the option is available, order some extra envelopes just to be safe.review your guest list to make sure you have current addresses • for everyone.Consider custom wedding stamps for mailing your wedding • invites. Some retailers give you the option of choosing from pre-designed wedding postage or simply uploading a photo to create your own stamp design. noTE: Be sure to have one of your ready-to-mail invitations weighed at a Post Offi ce before you purchase any postage stamps to make sure you are using the correct amount for each invitation.

3 /4 MONTHSFold and/or assemble your wedding invitations, if necessary.• Hand address mailing envelopes and write guest names on • inside envelopes, if they are included.Purchase and apply postage stamps to the response card enve-• lopes or response postcards, if they will be included.Assemble all wedding invitation pieces and insert them into • already addressed envelopes.take one fully assembled and sealed invitation to the Post Offi ce • to have it weighed to determine the correct amount of postage needed.Purchase your stamps or order custom wedding stamps with • appropriate postage amount required for mailing.

6 /8 WEEKSSeal the envelopes, apply postage stamps and mail them all at • the same time directly at a Post Offi ce location.

3/4 WEEKSPrepare and mail any other wedding-related invitations, rehears-• al dinner, post-wedding brunch, etc.Keep track of the response cards as they are returned by check-• ing off their names from your guest list.

2/3 WEEKSContact any guests who didn’t mail back their response cards.• Provide fi nal guest count to reception/dinner location.•

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What are the costs involved? _____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Does the reception site provide on-site security. What are the costs

involved? _____ ____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

AMENITIES

Are there changing rooms for the bridal party? ___________________

Does the facility provide guest accommodations or are their

convenient locations nearby? ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Is there a bar area or can one be set up? _________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Are there picturesque locations for photo opportunities? Both

inside and out? _____ ______________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

is there a dance fl oor? ____________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

are there suffi cient restroom facilities? ___________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Is there, or can you set up, a coat room? __________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Is the facility in a desirable location? Consider the view and any

potential noise interruptions. Is it easy to get to? Is it close to any

nearby attractions? ____________ __________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Is there a stage for the head table? _______________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Is there a podium/microphone? ___________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

TERMS

What is the length of the facility rental? __________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Is there an overtime fee if your wedding reception lasts longer? ___

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Do you have use of the entire reception site? If not–what areas can

your party use? __________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

What is the deposit and when is the remainder due? ______________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

What is the cancellation policy? ___________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

are there restrictions on food or drinks in any areas? ______________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

are candles or open fl ames allowed? _____________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Does the site have any music or noise restrictions? _______________

___________________________________________________________________

Are there any decorating restrictions? ____________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Will there be another party during, before or after yours? If so, how

will this affect your event? ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

is there a payment schedule? what kind of deposits are required?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

SITE

Site: ______________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

Contact: __________________________________________________________

Date & Time: ______________________________________________________

Style of site: ______________________________________________________

Extras: ____________________________________________________________

Cost: _____________________________________________________________

Deposit: __________________________________________________________

notes: ____________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Wedding P�anner Wedding P�annerRECEPTION SITERECEPTION SITE

COSTSWhat is the facility rental fee? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________What is the cost for food? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________What is the cost for beverages? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________If you can hold your ceremony on site, what is the fee?___________________________________________________________________ Is there an in-house caterer or a list of preferred caterers? If so, are they the exclusive caterers, or can you provide your own?___________________________________________________________________are there on-site kitchen facilities? __________________________________________________________________________________________________what is the staffi ng fee? (including bartenders, waiters etc.)___________________________________________________________________What is the overtime fee? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Is there a fee for security personnel? ________________________________________________________________________________________________is there a fee for parking or valets? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________is there a cake plating fee? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Is the bar cost per person/open bar? ________________________________________________________________________________________________Can we have a signature drink? Cost? _______________________________________________________________________________________________if i supply my own wine is there a corkage fee? ______________________________________________________________________________________

PACKAGESwhat is included in the wedding package? ___________________________________________________________________________________________Facility rental? ___________________________________________________Food and beverages? ____________________________________________Ceremony on site? _______________________________________________Set up and break down? __________________________________________Staffi ng? _________________________________________________________Cake? ____________________________________________________________Flowers? _________________________________________________________AMEnITIESAre there changing rooms for the bridal party? ___________________Does the facility provide guest accommodations or are their convenient locations nearby? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________Is there a bar area or can one be set up? ____________________________________________________________________________________________Are there picturesque locations for photo opportunities? Both inside and out? _____ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________is there a dance fl oor? ____________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________are there suffi cient restroom facilities? ______________________________________________________________________________________________Is there, or can you set up, a coat room? _____________________________________________________________________________________________Is the facility in a desirable location? Consider the view and any potential noise interruptions. Is it easy to get to? Is it close to any nearby attractions? ____________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________Is there a stage for the head table? _______________________________Is there a podium/microphone? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

TERMSWhat is the length of the facility rental? __________________________Is there an overtime fee if your wedding reception lasts longer? ______________________________________________________________________Do you have use of the entire reception site? If not–what areas can your party use? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What is the deposit and when is the remainder due? _________________________________________________________________________________What is the cancellation policy? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________are there restrictions on food or drinks in any areas? _________________________________________________________________________________are candles or open fl ames allowed? ________________________________________________________________________________________________Does the site have any music or noise restrictions? __________________________________________________________________________________Are there any decorating restrictions? _______________________________________________________________________________________________Will there be another party during, before or after yours? If so, how will this affect your event? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________is there a payment schedule? what kind of deposits are required?___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

SITESite: ______________________________________________________________Address: __________________________________________________________Contact: __________________________________________________________Date & Time: ______________________________________________________Style of site: ______________________________________________________Extras: ____________________________________________________________Cost: _____________________________________________________________Deposit: __________________________________________________________notes: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR BRIDAL SHOPHow long have you been in business? ________________________________________________________________________________________________What brand and designer lines do you carry? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What fabric / colours are available? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Do you rent the dresses? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________Are any alterations included in the cost of the dresses? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Can I get a price list or estimate for possible alterations? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________after the dresses are ordered, how long will they take to come in? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Will you store the dresses until the wedding day if necessary?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________will the gowns be steamed / pressed when they are picked up?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Do you have other locations for bridesmaids that are out of town? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What are your deposit and payment policies? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BRIDAL SHOP OPTION 1Company: ________________________________________________________Address: __________________________________________________________Contact: __________________________________________________________Designer: _________________________________________________________Colour: ___________________________________________________________Cost: _____________________________________________________________Deposit: __________________________________________________________

BRIDAL SHOP OPTION 2

Company: ________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

Contact: __________________________________________________________

Designer: _________________________________________________________

Colour: ___________________________________________________________

Cost: _____________________________________________________________

Deposit: __________________________________________________________

attach any pictures you've seen or website UrL's of things you like,

to serve as inspiration.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

FINAL DRESS & ACCESSORY OVERVIEW

Store: _____________________________________________________________

Designer name: __________________________________________________

Style number: ____________________________________________________

Colour: ___________________________________________________________

Dress style options: ______________________________________________

Cost: _____________________________________________________________

Alteration cost: ___________________________________________________

Shoes: ___________________________________________________________

Colour: ___________________________________________________________

Dyeable:__________________________Height of Heel _________________

Store where available: ____________________________________________

Cost: _____________________________________________________________

Hair accessory: __________________________________________________

necklace: ________________________________________________________

Earrings: __________________________________________________________

other jewellery: __________________________________________________

nail/toe polish colour: ____________________________________________

other: ____________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Wedding P�anner Wedding P�annerBRIDESMAID ATTIRECHOOSING YOUR DRESS

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR BRIDAL SHOP

What brand and designer lines do you carry?______________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Are any alterations included in the cost of the gown? _____________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Can I get a price list or estimate for possible alterations? __________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

after my gown is ordered, how long will it take for it to come in?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Will you store the gown until the wedding day if necessary? _______

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

will the gown be steamed/pressed when i pick it up? _____________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

What are your deposit and payment policies? _____________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

How long have you been in business? ____________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Do you offer a discount if my bridesmaid dresses are also ordered

from you? ________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

What trends are you seeing this year? _____________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

What styles are best for my body type? ___________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Does the dress include a bustle? _________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Will I need to purchase special undergarments? _____________________________________________________________________________________Do you rent crinoline? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Can you make any suggestions for jewelry/veils that compliment certain dress styles? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________what will i need at the fi rst fi tting? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

DRESS OPTION 1Store: _____________________________________________________________Address: __________________________________________________________Contact: __________________________________________________________Sales Consultant: _________________________________________________Style of Dress: ____________________________________________________Brand of Dress: ___________________________________________________Price: _____________________________________________________________Price for Alterations: ______________________________________________

DRESS OPTION 2Store: _____________________________________________________________Address: __________________________________________________________Contact: __________________________________________________________Sales Consultant: _________________________________________________Style of Dress: ____________________________________________________Brand of Dress: ___________________________________________________Price: _____________________________________________________________Price for Alterations: ______________________________________________

attach any pictures you've seen or website UrL's of things you like, to serve as inspiration.

FITTING DATES AND NOTES________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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wedding trends 2016

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