Wedding Trends 2018

TRENDS 2018 SIMCOE COUNTY | MUSKOKA | PARRY SOUND | GREY BRUCE | 2018 EDITION

Real Weddings TO IN S P IRE

SIMCOE COUNTY | MUSKOKA | PARRY SOUND | GREY BRUCE | 2018 EDITION

2 Wedding Trends 2018

Real Weddings

r e n & d Aaron s 2 0 1 8 10 t Caitlin

14 Amy & Michael

20 Jennifer & Trevor

24 Jessica & Louis Publisher

Dana 28 Laura &Robbins Aaron

General Manager, 30 Leigh & Dan

33 Laura & Jason

36 Raeanne & Daniel

25 | Tina & Adam

28 | Erin & Matthew

40 Ashlee & Matt Elise Allain

47 Laura & Erik

50 Lauren &Turner Michael LuAnne

38 | Elise & Tom

54 Chantelle &Allan Advertising Inquiries:

43 | Brianne & Jeremy

58 Krystal & Andrew

63 Josie & Ben amakaroff@simcoe.com

705-435-6228 66 Kim & Steve

| Innisfil & | elise allain 71 Barrie Ashleigh Braden

74 Lindsay & Chris

78 Danielle & Bretton

73 | Ashley & Jon

80 Ashleigh & Jeff pamero@simcoe.com

76 | Amanda & Joel

705-444-1875 83 Melissa & Joel

87 Raquel & |Ryan Midland | Orillia KYLA BARRON

kbarron@metroland.com 90 Sarah & Blake

94 Lindsay & Kyle

97 Mikayla & Joseph

6 | Ashley & Kevin 13 | Anna & James 16 | Breigh-Anne & Robert 22 | Kimberley & Grant

Real Weddings 32 | Ashlyn & Jamie 36 | Calla & Jimmy

47 | Hilary & Chris 50 | Alysha & Kyle 54 | Katie & Derek

22

58 | Kim & Mike 62 | Amy & Ian 66 | Rhonda & Nathaniel 70 | Ami & Brian

79 | Dawn & Chris 81 | Laurie & Jim 83 | Lindsey & Justin 86 | Rebecca & Steven 89 | Kelcie & James 92 | Kayla & Garrett 96 | Julia & Lucas

86

$5.00

Simcoe / york / muskoka Shaun Sauve Editor

Graphic Design

Alliston | Angela makaroff

eallain@simcoe.com 705-726-0573 x250

Collingwood | PAmela amero

705-329-2058

Muskoka | jack tynan

jtynan@metrolandnorthmedia.com

100 Lesley & Nevine 705-789-5541

104 Parry Jamie Robert Sound & | Janice Heidman jheidman@metrolandnorthmedia.com 107 Rachel & Frank 705-789-5541

111 Bryanna & Scott Editorial Contributors 114 Tara & Ronny Patti Vipond

Jacqueline Kovacs

50 6 on the cover:

Ashley Wamboldt & Kevin Osborne Photos by Sara Monika

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Metroland North Media 21 Patterson Road, Barrie, ON L4N 7W6 Phone: 705-726-0573 | Fax: 705-721-8859 follow us: @WeddingTrendsmag simcoe.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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ashley kevin

6 Wedding Trends 2018

Real Weddings

J u ly 8 , 2 0 1 7

Country Chic Celebration

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Sara Monika

N

ine years ago, Kevin Osborne’s friend who had a cottage in Orillia invited him up for the weekend. Kevin decided it was the perfect opportunity to pluck up the courage to invite a girl he wanted to know better — Ashley Wamboldt. It was at the cottage that they discovered a common love for the outdoors, fishing and, eventually, each other.

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They created a laid back, love-filled day for their guests filled with laughter, tears and good will.

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“After we met, we started going out right away and made it official a couple of months later,” recalls Ashley, who made her relationship with Kevin truly official at their wedding on July 8, 2017, at Drysdale’s Tree Farm in Innisfil. “The rest was history.”

While Orillia’s cottage country set the scene for the couple’s meeting, Lake Muskoka was the site of their 2015 engagement. Kevin planned a so-called fishing trip over the August long weekend. As he packed their truck with fishing gear, Kevin knew Ashley didn’t suspect his true intention for the outing. On the way, he gave Ashley the first of a few cards he had made with their favourite song lyrics. The first said, “No, I don’t ever want no other shotgun rider beside me singing to the radio.” Sea-Doo rentals were part of his plan, but the only ones left at the rental shop had been roughed up by previous renters.

The agent told Kevin she might not be able to rent them out.

“I said, ‘I’m the Kevin that called earlier this week and we need to go out today,’” he says. “I could see then that she realized who I was and what the Sea-Doos were for. She said we could use them all day for a few hours charge. We had to stop at marinas every hour to put oil in them, and I wondered at one point if this was not meant to be right now. Then we came to a little inlet and turned in. It was like out of a movie.

There was a little dock floating in the sun and no one around us, so I knew it was the perfect spot to propose.”

On that dock in the sunshine, Kevin gave Ashley the last card. It read, “You always had an eye for things that glitter, but I was far from being made of gold. I don’t know how, but I scraped up the money, I just never could quite tell you no.” When Ashley looked up, her love was down on one knee.

“Ashley was very surprised and said yes,” said Kevin. “We got lost on the way back, but we were so very happy, it didn’t matter.”

Envisioning a country-chic wedding, the couple chose Drysdale’s Tree Farm for their outdoor ceremony and indoor reception in the Greenhouse. The bride, wearing a gorgeous Houston gown by Lis Simon, arrived with her mom and dad in a charming horse-drawn chuck wagon. Their 125 guests rode a mini steam train to the grassy, forested wedding site. The couple’s nieces and flower girls, Avah and Bre, led the wedding party to the spot where Ashley and Kevin said their vows before family and friends, some who had travelled from the east and west coasts of Canada.

The couple’s wish for a relaxed wedding day started with casual wear for the wedding party and extended into the reception. They created a laid back, love-filled day for their guests filled with laughter, tears and good will.

Guests enjoyed a convivial cocktail hour before savouring a buffet dinner that included creamy

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Caesar salad, crispy Chicken Parmesan, beef tenderloin with port reduction, and a popular baked potato bar. Instead of a wedding cake, the newlyweds kept things casual with a small cake surrounded by vanilla, marble and carrot cupcakes by Cakes By Design in Barrie. Late in the evening, the peckish sampled the poutine bar and snacked on chicken fingers.

“One of my favourite memories from that day was the speeches,” Kevin says. “They were so heartfelt. The whole bridal party and both of sets of our parents got up to speak.”

For the bride, her most cherished memory was exchanging heartfelt vows with her love and saying “I do” among their closest family and friends.

Everyone danced the night away to a fabulous selection of country music, oldies and rock and roll chosen by DJs/family friends Michelle and Brad. Before leaving on their honeymoon to the Calgary Stampede, Banff and Lake Louise, the newlyweds came to one conclusion: “It was by far the best day of our lives.” ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Bride: by Spence Diamonds Groom: by Michael Hill Dress Shop Pearl Bridal House, Mississauga Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Cowboy boots: Herbert’s Boots & Western Wear, Innisfil Groom’s vest: custom made by John McNabb Clothier, Barrie Caterer Casal Catering, Barrie Wedding Cake & Cupcakes Cakes By Design, Barrie Church/Hall Drysdale’s Tree Farm, Egbert, Ontario Hair Stylist/Makeup Ciaobella Hair & Make-Up Florist Lavender Floral, Innisfil Rentals Caledon Horse & Carriage Photographer Sara Monika, Photographer Videographer Little Blue Lemon Table/Guest Favours Mason jars of homemade fish rub by the bride and her Mom Wedding Party Gifts Bridesmaids’ robes: Pretty Plum Sugar Groomsmen: cigar, socks, tie, bottle of whiskey Bride’s bracelet: Michael Kors Wedding Planner Christina Spring Events Wedding day Coordinator and Wedding Décor Posh Beyond Events

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anna james J uly 1 , 2 0 1 7

All-Canadian Wedding

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Kate Gass & Andrew Essig, Visual Roots Photography

T

o Anna Bolliger and James Turnbull, Canada Day is by far the best holiday of the year. The reason? “Canada Day is our favourite holiday because it is the one when everyone in the country is celebrating the same thing,” says Anna, who married James this year when the holiday was fortuitously on a Saturday. “To get married on Canada’s 150th birthday was so wonderful.”

Anna hails from Barrie, Ont., and James was raised in North Vancouver. Five years ago, Anna was working in West Vancouver at the same company as James. After they met, James asked Anna to go for a bike ride around the seawall in Vancouver. She had plans with her twin brother, Mike, so turned James down. However, she immediately regretted the awkward rejection, got James’s phone number from a co-worker and called him. They went out on their first date that weekend.

Fast-forward to 2016 and the couple were living in a condo in an increasingly expensive North Vancouver. A change needed to be made.

“We started to realize that the life we wanted with children and a larger home wouldn’t be possible if we stayed in North Vancouver,” Anna says. “I wanted to move to Ontario because my family is in Barrie. James applied for a job in Kawartha Lakes and got it, but his start date was only four weeks away.

We shipped our belongings, listed and sold the condo, then hopped on a plane with our cat.”

James decided to propose to his love at their going-away party, with all the people they cared about and loved around them. The surprise engagement shifted the mood of the party from sad to celebratory.

“Here I was, embarking on this new adventure with Anna,” James says. “Not a lot of people take those kinds of risks. It became crystal clear that we should make that commitment now. I came into the centre of the crowd holding the engagement ring, which was my grandmother’s, in a box in my hand.

When Anna came over, I said to her, ‘Anna, you’ve been my rock and I love you so much.’

Then I got down one knee and asked her to marry me.”

“Everybody cried,” Anna says.

With a July 1 wedding date decided, the couple chose Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club in Barrie, for their ceremony and reception.

“The staff were so accommodating right from the beginning,” Anna says. “They worked closely with Tiffany Party Rentals, and truly pulled together the perfect day for us.”

The couple worked with the Club’s Chef to create coast-to-coast food stations with Canadian dishes. The menu featured mussels, oysters and salmon for the east and west coasts, potatoes for PEI, prairie steaks and a central Canada salad station. For late evening snacking, the Club fired up the barbeque and served sausages and hamburgers.

Rain changed the wedding ceremony location from the gazebo to a large covered patio overlooking the golf course. A bagpiper played as the wedding party, which included two best men and the groom’s younger brother, Jess, as ring guardian, processed in. The bride’s father and her twin brother, Mike, 2018 Wedding Trends 13

Our guest book was a Canadian flag and a canoe paddle and our guest favours were organic BC. honey.

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Photographer

Jewellery/Ring Design Handmade wooden rings – Ring and Grove, Bobcaygeon Bride’s engagement & wedding rings James’ grandmothers’ rings

Music/DJ Charlotte and the Dirty Cowboys

Dress Shop Kleinfeld Alterations by Ginger

Invitations Bride & Vistaprint

Organic British Columbia honey

Tux Shop/Men’ Shop Moores

Florist Country Lane Floral Design & Vintage Rentals

Wedding Party Gifts

Caterer Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club, Barrie

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Hair Stylist/Makeup Modern College of Esthetics

Rentals Tiffany Party Rentals

Kate Gass & Andrew Essig – Visual Roots Photography Table/Guest Favours jarred by groom’s mom

Bridesmaids: necklaces by Birch Jewellery Groomsmen: flasks with engraved initials

escorted her down the aisle. The bride wore a gorgeous lace high-necked mermaid-style gown that she adored. As her husband-to-be saw her, the day changed for him.

“Once I saw Anna coming down the aisle and our family was there, everything just fell into place and felt right for me,” recalled James. “I was still nervous about doing a speech, but after that it was just a really good night. Great food and company, lots of dancing and good music.”

The new husband and wife invited everyone to join them outdoors for a celebratory cocktail hour on the patio. The rain had stopped and the afternoon was lovely.

For the reception, clever Canadian decor accents added humour and beauty to the festivities. To avoid a totally red and white room, the couple decided on a colour palette of pink, white and silver.

“Instead of table numbers, we used provinces and provincial flowers,” said Anna.

“Our seating plan was a map of Canada that said ‘Where in Canada Are You Sitting?’ Our guest book was a Canadian flag and a canoe paddle and our guest favours were organic BC. honey. The Maid of Honour, Jill, sang “Oh Canada” before dinner. We made sure all the products we ordered from Etsy were made in Canada including the bridesmaids’ dresses, their maple leaf gift necklaces, and even our wedding rings.”

When it was time to cut the newlywed’s three-tiered, three-flavour white wedding cake, the knife was missing. What happened next was one of James’ favourite wedding memories.

“My brother is autistic, but high functioning and very caring,” James says. “He gives big hugs and is always smiling. When we found the knife was missing, my brother came out of nowhere to lock me in a big bear hug for easily over a minute. I loved it because I needed a hug.”

After dinner, the phenomenal local band Charlotte and the Dirty Cowboys got everyone up on the dance floor for the evening.

Charlotte was often on the floor dancing with the kids. At the end of the night, the bride asked her cousins’ daughters, aged two to nine, if they would like to try on her veil.

They did!

“Watching them strut around in my veil, all these little girls, was the best thing ever,” Anna says. “They were so happy. It was an absolutely perfect day.” ❤

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breigh-anne robert

16 Wedding Trends 2018

Real Weddings

August 5, 2017

Country Inn Wedding

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Phil Steingard, Steingard Studios

W

hen a couple is planning their wedding, challenges can suddenly arise.

Breigh-Anne Adams and Robert Stratton decided to hold their wedding in July 2017, and booked a venue. However, it quickly became apparent that they needed to hold their special day in a different place. By then, it was late January in 2017.

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The couple chose a palette of

gold, ivory and blush pink for their big day.

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“When I started looking for another venue, I thought we wouldn’t have any luck,” says Breigh-Anne, who lives in Newcastle with her new husband. “On a blog, I found out about Nestleton Waters Inn near Port Perry. It was a hidden gem! We thought it would be booked up, but it was available on August 5, 2017.

The owners, Deborah and Eric, were so welcoming and accommodating. They arranged for us to see the venue even though they were on vacation, and we felt they wanted to make our dream wedding a reality. I had already booked our vendors, but all of them were all available on the new date. It was truly meant to be. All of our vendors were incredible and we would highly recommend all of them.”

Breigh-Anne and Robert, who are both nurses, met in 2014 while working together on a hospital’s oncology floor. They became best friends while continuing to date other people. One of Breigh-Anne’s best friends and future bridesmaids, Jacqueline, told her they needed to try going on a date. Being a gentleman, Robert asked Breigh-Anne’s father for permission to ask his daughter out on a date. Her dad said yes, and that first date eventually led to matrimony.

Robert’s proposed on July 1, 2016, while the couple was in Barrie for an annual Canada Day party. He dropped BreighAnne off at his cousin’s place while he picked up her ring at Jeff Walters Jewellers. Later, the couple and their Siberian husky, Elsa, stayed overnight at his Aunt’s home. Elsa gets anxious in new places.

“At 4:30 a.m., Robert woke me saying Elsa was restless and needed to be taken for a walk before everyone else was up,” BreighAnne says. “Elsa was sleeping, but he insisted. We went to the Barrie waterfront as the sun was coming up, so I took a picture of the sunrise over the water. When I turned around, Robert was on one knee.”

The couple chose a palette of gold, ivory and blush pink for their big day and worked with Nestleton Inn to create a classy, elegant look using items from Annie Lane Events & Decor. Floating candles in tall gold candleholders surrounded square gold vase centrepieces holding lush ivory and pink floral arrangements. Table numbers were housed in pearl frames, and each table was covered in white linens.

Breigh-Anne and Robert’s wedding ceremony beside the inn’s tranquil pond brought together 170 family and friends from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ottawa, Alberta, the United States and more.

Friends and relations were also in the

wedding party including the bride’s sister, Alyssa, her brother and emcee, Jesse, and the couple’s niece and junior bridesmaid, Emerie, nephew and ring bearer, Macklen, nephew and usher, Cohen. Hannah, the daughter of one of the bridemaids, was the flower girl.

As a Haley Reinhart cover of I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You played, the bride came down the aisle to exchange vows with her love. Her lace gown and headpiece shimmered with miniature pearls and diamonds.

“People still talk about our vows because they loved them,” she says. “I was nervous. Instead of saying, ‘I promise to be your greatest companion,’ I said ‘greatest competition.’ Everyone started laughing, which lightened my nerves. But I remember that as I was walking down the aisle, I didn’t see anyone else but Robert.”

After a cocktail hour, guests enjoyed a gourmet meal by the inn’s executive chef, Aaron Moss. Guests chose from beef braciola, chicken marsala or maple-walnut glazed rainbow trout. Instead of a wedding cake, the couple provided a selection of cupcakes and a sweets table. Taco and waffle bars were late night snacks.

Though all of the speeches were amazing, the one made by 12-year-old nephew and birthday boy Cohen was the hit. “Cohen did a fabulous speech and had everyone laughing,” Breigh-Anne says. “At the end of our speech, we gave him a special cupcake for his birthday.”

The week before their wedding, Robert’s beloved poppa, Robert Hayford, suddenly passed away. Then Breigh-Anne’s grandmother could not attend because of illness. Breigh-Anne asked Poppa to show he was at the wedding as a dragonfly or a butterfly. As she read her vows, a dragonfly landed on her dress.

“During the reception, there was a dragonfly around the whole time,” BreighAnne says. “Everyone knew what I had asked Poppa to do and noticed it. The only thing I would have changed about our day would have been to have him, my grandmother and all of our loved ones who have passed there.”

During their vows, Breigh-Anne promised to one day make Robert’s dream of becoming a dad come true. That dream came true quickly. The couple are happily expecting their first child in 2018. ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Custom made by Jeff Walters Jewellers, Barrie Dress Shop Bliss Bridal Boutique, Whitby Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Custom made suits – Moores, Oshawa Honeymoon/Travel Agent Sandals La Source, Grenada Caterer Executive Chef Aaron Moss – Nestleton Waters Inn Church/Hall Nestleton Waters Inn Music/DJ David Greenidge Hair Stylist/Makeup Hair: Betania Sanchez and assistant Tiffany Perez Makeup: Amy Rankine and assistant Jenna Collins Florist Holly Gilliam – The Purple Peony, Port Perry Rentals Annie Lane Events & Décor, Whitby Photographer Phil Steingard, Steingard Studios Videographer AIA Video Productions Table/Guest Favours Homemade wine by groom’s uncle & aunt Wedding Party Gifts Bridesmaids: personalized custom tote, robe, gold necklace with single pearl, sandals for dancing, custom hangers with names

Real Weddings

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kimberley grant August 13, 2016

Birds, Bands and Butterflies

By Patti Vipond • Cliffside photos by Jay Philbrick, Philbrick Photography • Wedding day photos: Richer Images, Nick Harding and Mary Lucky

W

hen the bride is The Butterfly Whisperer and the groom is a professional musician, you know their wedding will feature music, butterflies and love. The celebration of Kimberly “Sunshine” Parry and Grant Slater was full of all these and more.

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Jewellery/Ring Design Bride’s band: Grandmother’s ring Groom’s band and watch: Damiani Jewellers

Dress Shop Wedding gown: Custom made

by Arnaldo Santos, Toronto Butterfly shoes: Sophia Webster, gift from bridesmaid Nicole Hegedus

Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Tom’s Place, Toronto

Caterer Breakfast foods: Chef Judith Ives with Tom Griffiths Lunch foods: Nancy Foerstel and friends Pizza Settecento Auntie Jo’s Kettle Corn Gourmet cupcakes: Karen Smith Wedding Cake: Wendy Parry

Church/Hall Church: Northwest Barrie United Reception: Springwater Provincial Park

Music/DJ House band: The Freakin’ Band Slaterstock Lineup: Musician guests Sound equipment: Steve Effer

Hair Stylist Tamica Herod

Invitations Made by bride, with aunt Linda Bateman

Florist Bouquets: Joshua’s Greenery Everything else: friend Pat Devereaux

Rentals Cooler trailer: Cool Zone Air-conditioned toilets: Classy Potties To Go Table linens: Elite Party Rentals

Photographer Cliff photos: Jay Philbrick, Philbrick Photography, New Hampshire, U.S.A. Wedding day photos: Richer Images, Nick Harding and Mary Lucky

Table/Guest Favours Table: Vinyl records and personalized mason jar glasses Guest: butterfly-attracting seed packets designed by bridesmaid Annette Huyter

Wedding Party Gifts Bridesmaids: custom pearl necklaces Sunshine’s Angels: silk Pashmina shawls Groomsmen: ties and individual gifts

In September 2014, Kim was called to the Beacon Restaurant in Wasaga Beach to video the Eugene Smith and the Warmup Band reunion. Grant, who lived in Mississauga, was playing keyboards, but had his ever-present camera on stage. Before having even met, they had already photographed each other. Months later, Kim invited Grant to photograph local snowy owls if he was working near Barrie again. He wasn’t, but made a special trip to see Kim. “When people ask about our story, I tell them that Grant came to Barrie to visit one day and never left,” Kim says.

In November 2015, Grant proposed to his “Sunshine” during a daytrip to Kim’s cottage in Muskoka. Despite a heavy snowfall, he suggested they stop at their favourite pond on the way back. After asking Kim to pose by a tree for a photo, he called, “Sweetie?”

“From behind his camera he asked me to marry him,” Kim says. “I was so shocked, I grabbed the snow laden tree to steady myself and all the snow fell on me. Then Grant played ‘Falling Slowly’ on his cell phone. That was the song we fell in love to when we saw the musical ‘Once’. Obviously I said yes, and we danced in the snow.”

“I took pictures from the moment I asked her to marry me and caught all the expressions on her face,” Grant says. “I proposed in a foot of snow in the middle of nowhere.”

Having decided to marry on August 13, 2016, the couple chose Kim’s church, Northwest Barrie United Church, with Rev. Phil Dallimore for their morning ceremony.

A new grand piano made it perfect for a music-focused ceremony and, importantly, the church was owl-friendly. During the ceremony, an owl sat in front to represent late friends and family who were celebrating the wedding in spirit.

A second owl flew in to deliver the bride’s vows after she pretended to forget them. Kim and Grant’s large wedding party included the groom’s sons Dan and Kevin Slater, the bride’s cousins Carinthia and Bethany Parry ,who carried in monarch butterflies, flower girl and bride’s niece Chloe Parry, and ring bearer and bride’s nephew Gabriel Parry.

The radiant bride came down the aisle as her friend Janet Kinsey played “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring” on the grand piano. Her gorgeous gown, custom made by Toronto designer Arnaldo Santos, was adorned with over 500 fabric butterflies. The service was filled with music, beginning with singer/ songwriter Laura Robinson who shared an

original song. Quisha Wint, accompanied by Janet and Mary-Katherine Finch on cello, performed “At Last” during the registry signing, while the final gift of music was from Colm Wilkinson, the first “Phantom of the Opera”. Colm played guitar and sang “Falling Slowly” with Kim Ratcliffe on electric guitar.

“Grant and I ended up dancing to the song we fell in love to, performed by two friends near and dear to our hearts,” Kim says. “Something really magical happened in those moments and we all felt it.”

The live music continued throughout the afternoon reception at Springwater Provincial Park. With a guest list of 240 that was 95 per cent musicians, the highly anticipated jam was nicknamed Slaterstock after the groom. Like Woodstock, torrential rains arrived but the fun continued.

“Guests said the pavilion was like being in a bubble,” Kim says. “Despite the chaos swirling around us, underneath the roof was music, food and an overriding vibe of love.”

The celebration was held in the daytime to accommodate musicians’ evening gigs.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious brunch that included a finger-sandwich keyboard, butterflyshaped sandwiches, stone-fired pizzas and a huge s’mores bar. Upon arriving, guests helped themselves to cold drinks at the lemonade stand, homemade ice cream bars and kettle corn.

Many of the foods, services and other wedding necessities were gifted to the couple by loving friends and family.

The bride fondly remembers dancing with her nephew in the pouring rain, cutting the wedding cake made by her mother, the collective joy when Sharon and Bram led everyone in singing ‘Skinnamarink,’ releasing butterflies with the kids, and the sentimental dance performance by matron of honour, Maria Elent, and her husband, Dmitri, to “Wonderful World,” the song Kim would have danced to with her late father.

Because rain thwarted their wedding photo plans, the couple honeymooned in New Hampshire to have cliff side pictures taken by Jay Philbrick. Just before sunrise, Kim and Grant were lowered 40 feet down onto cathedral ledge, situated 400 feet above the valley floor.

Although they were tethered to the cliff, Kim had to change into her wedding gown on the narrow ledge. Was she scared?

“Let’s just say, I have no desire to take up mountain climbing,” Kim says. “It was an experience of a lifetime though, and I would do it again.” ❤

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tina adam M ay 2 0 , 2 0 1 7

Love by the Lake

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Bayshore Photography and Matt Fowler

T

he past played a major part when Tina Zappacosta and Adam Fowler were setting the date and deciding on the location of their wedding. The couple met on a blind date set up by a mutual friend on April 20, 2013, but didn’t make the instant match official until May 20th.

“We noticed our anniversary was on a Saturday of the year we wanted to be married,” recalls Tina, who said yes to a surprise proposal from Adam as he knelt on one knee in a doorway at their home. “We thought, how perfect and romantic would it be to be married on our anniversary?”

When considering the site for their wedding ceremony, the couple thought back to the location of their first date — Adam’s parents’ backyard on Mill Lake near Parry Sound. That inaugural date, which included a canoe ride on the lake, was the first of many at the same place. It was a fitting and beautiful spot to become husband and wife.

So it was that on a sunny spring day, 100 family members and friends, including Adam’s uncle who travelled from Scotland, sat by the lake to watch Tina and Adam say their vows beneath a beachside arbour, built lovingly by the groom. The wedding party walked in to “Turning Page” by Sleeping at Last, led by the couple’s young sons and ring bearers, Mason and Hudson. The bridesmaids’ flowy black gowns with lace detail on the back were complemented by the groomsmen’s black tuxes with gold ties and vests. Adam, wearing a tux with black vest and gold tie, watched as his bride came down the aisle in an ethereal strapless ball gown with silver belt accent. Then came one of Tina’s favourite memories of the entire day.

“When we were saying our vows and exchanging rings, Adam was so excited that he said ‘I do’ before he was supposed to say it,” she says with a smile. “It was a funny moment.”

As well as exchanging actual rings engraved with the date and “I do” at their ceremony, the couple had pre-wedding ring tattoos put on their fingers for something more permanent. It was a natural extension of having tattoos done together during their relationship.

“My tattoo engagement ring has a blue diamond in the middle and two small diamonds beside it,” said Tina. “Our wedding bands are black double infinity symbols.”

After the registry was signed and the new Mr. and Mrs. Fowler walked back down the aisle to “All I Ever Wanted” by Brian Melo, everyone headed for the reception at the Log Cabin Inn in Parry Sound. The couple’s choice of this venue was also influenced by their personal history.

“The Log Cabin Inn is where we have celebrated every one of our anniversaries so far, so we thought it would be wonderful to have our reception there,” said Tina. “We decided to

2018 Wedding Trends 25

“It was ... very much a family wedding."

have a plated dinner and it was wonderful. The Inn is known for its amazing food.”

With a “rustic meets shabby chic theme for the celebration, Tina and Adam created very outdoorsy décor intertwined with their colour scheme of black, white and gold. After a convivial cocktail hour, complete with hors d’oeuvres, everyone gathered in the dining room for a festive meal. The bride and groom dined on a delicious steak dinner accompanied by flutes of champagne.

Guests were treated to dinners of tender prime rib or chicken stuffed with asparagus and Oka cheese, along with red and white wines.

Dessert proved a bit of a surprise. Instead of the expected small wedding cake, Adam’s Aunt Helen Taylor had created a gigantic confection in the wedding colours of white and gold, with two tiers of vanilla cake and one tier of carrot cake. The delicious creation was sliced and served to everyone. Helen is renowned for making her lovely cakes for every family wedding.

The speeches following dinner became a special memory for the bride.

“The speeches were so sentimental and emotional,” recalled Tina. “Everybody had something so kindhearted to share. All of the groomsmen did a speech, and we were really surprised. My Maid of Honour, both sets of parents and a cousin who was a bridesmaid also all spoke. It was really sweet and very much a family wedding.”

DJ Dave played “Tenerife Sea” by Ed Sheeran for the newlyweds’ first dance before opening up the dance floor all night with country music, dance tunes and current hits. Guests with late night appetites snacked on hot pizza slices.

One other nod to the past influenced Tina and Adam’s wedding day. After the ceremony, they launched the same canoe they used on their first date and took it out for a spin while their photographer captured the moment. ❤ 26 Wedding Trends 2018

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Jewellery/Ring Design Ring tattoos: Lucky Devil Tattoo, Barrie Wedding bands: custom made in California Dress Shop Bride: Kleinfeld, Toronto Bridesmaids: The Gown, Newmarket Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Moores Honeymoon/Travel Agent Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) Caterer Log Cabin Inn, Parry Sound Music/DJ DJ Dave (David Tucci), Parry Sound Hair Stylist/Makeup Hair: A La Mode Salon, Parry Sound Makeup: Beauty by Melissa, Alliston Invitations Vistaprint Florist Flowers ordered from Costco for handmade bouquets, boutonnieres & displays Rentals Applause Party Rentals Photographer Ceremony: Bayshore Photography Reception: Matt Fowler Videographer Meg Wallace Photography Table/Guest Favours Made by bride & groom Wedding Party Gifts Etsy Total Cost of Wedding $10,000

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erin matthew

28 Wedding Trends 2018

Real Weddings

Oct o b e r 8 , 2 0 1 7

Love Under the Grecian Sun

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Phil Steingard, Steingard Studios

T

hough they met in downtown Barrie on Canada Day in 2011, Erin Steingard and Matthew Mckay-Crites looked to the ancient and beautiful land of Greece when it came time to marry. With a desire for a fall wedding, and knowing that a Thanksgiving weekend date would give their guests an extra travel day, the couple set October 8, 2017, as their wedding day.

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Erin and Matthew had already vacationed at the gorgeous waterfront Ikos Oceania Resort in Nea Moudania with its distant view of Mount Olympus. With the resort’s staff and service exceeding any the couple had encountered during many trips together, they chose its rose garden with ocean view as their ceremony site. However, Ikos Oceania lacked a secluded place for their reception. The bride and groom’s wedding planner in Greece recommended the local restaurant Exi Vryses in Polygros in the mountains.

“I wanted to have a reception that was more intimate for celebrating with our guests, to allow for a more personal feeling,” Erin says.

“When my husband was looking for a place, this restaurant was highly recommended by our planner as being able to give us these things.”

They chose its rose garden with ocean view as their ceremony site.

Was it tremendously challenging to plan an overseas wedding? The answer is yes and no.

“Towards the end, I started to feel stressed out because things didn’t seemed to be getting accomplished,” says Erin, whose father and renowned destination wedding photographer Phil Steingard took the couple’s stunning photos, including post-wedding images with the ancient monasteries in Meteora.

“But as it turned out, our wedding planner Anna Wohlfart at the resort in Greece did everything. We emailed each other, but didn’t realize how much work and dedication she put forth until we got there. She and our florist did all of the set up including transporting things from the ceremony to the reception.”

Invitations for the couple’s 25 guests were unnecessary. Matthew found some excellent flights, so everyone booked before invites could be sent. Real Flowers in Toronto created the wedding bouquets while a fine local florist in Greece provided all other floral decor. The bouquets, housed in small boxes flew, as carry-on luggage.

“A lot of our guests helped bring things for the wedding including the centrepieces which were three cylinder vases with crystals

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and a light in the bottom, a faux orchid and a floating candle,” said Erin. “We didn’t have to check any of those things.”

At the start of the wedding ceremony in the rose garden, maid of honour and bride’s sister Lindsey Templeton, and long time friends and bridesmaids Courtney Rawlings and Lorain Wilson arrived wearing mint-hued gowns.

The bride came down the aisle to meet her love to I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz, played by a local violinist and on guitar by the groom’s brother, Albert Mckay-Crites. Albert learned the song especially for the occasion. His gesture and the song meant much to the bride and groom.

“A couple of years into our relationship, we went through a rough patch,” Erin says.

“We worked really hard with one another to overcome these challenges as we both knew in the bottom of our hearts we were meant to be together. We heard that song one day and it described everything we were going through and how we felt for one another so perfectly that for the last four years it has been our song.

After becoming husband and wife, Erin and Matthew and their guests boarded a bus to travel to the restaurant for a cocktail hour of appetizers, cool beverages and convivial mingling. By the time the couple made the traditional introductions, most people already knew each other. For dinner, guests chose from six dishes on the restaurant’s menu. The chef specially prepared each dish.

The twinkling two-tier wedding cake had an inch of rhinestones around the base of each vanilla fondant-covered tier and a sparkling Mr. & Mrs. topper. Erin sent a picture of the cake to the restaurant and they did an amazing job recreating it.

Speeches by friends and family during dinner were moving and funny, celebrating Erin and Matthew’s past and present, and wishing them a happy future together. Then, it was time to dance the Grecian night away to music provided by a local DJ. The newlyweds began their honeymoon by travelling south to the island of Crete before flying to Rome. In the Eternal City, they rented a car and drove to Florence, Lake Como and Venice before returning home to Alliston.

“It was amazing,” said Erin of their idyllic honeymoon. “We had always wanted to go to Italy. I loved Rome. Everywhere we turned there were gorgeous fountains. The city was also filled with astonishing buildings and monuments. Venice was absolutely beautiful as well.” ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Jared – The Galleria of Jewellery Dress Shop Helen’s Bridal, Barrie Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Moores Caterer Exi Vryses, Polygros, Greece Church/Hall Ceremony: Rose Garden at Ikos Oceania Resort, Nea Moudania, Greece Reception: Exi Vryses restaurant, Polygros, Greece Music/DJ Provided by Exi Vryses Hair Stylist/Makeup Hair: Stylist at Ikos Oceania Makeup: by bride Florist Bridal bouquets: Real Touch Flowers, Toronto Local florist in Greece for all other flowers Rentals Men’s suits rented from Moores Photographer Phil Steingard, Steingard Studios Table/Guest Favours Vintage style key bottle openers Wedding Party Gifts Bridesmaids: matching robes, sparkling Pandora strand bracelet Groomsmen: bottle of Jameson Total Cost of Wedding $12,000

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ashlyn jamie

32 Wedding Trends 2018

Real Weddings

August 19, 2017

Keeping it Casual

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Castle Avenue Photography

I

n the summer, Central Ontario’s naturally gorgeous surroundings means decorating for a warm weather wedding can often be kept to a minimum.

That’s why Ashlyn Westfall and Jamie Young kept their decor simple, casual and beautiful for their wedding on August 19, 2017.

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“I put lanterns everywhere possible, lit them and surrounded them with pink rose petals and lots of candles and tea lights.”

“We were looking for a backyard barbeque style of wedding,” says Ashlyn, who met her future husband, Jamie, when they both attended the same high school. “We wanted to keep things casual and comfortable for our family and friends at our ceremony and reception.”

Their August wedding date also gave the bride, who is a substitute teacher in Barrie and Orillia, time to double-check their plans and get everything settled. For both their ceremony and reception, Horseshoe Resort in Barrie was the perfect place. As well as being renowned for its cuisine and gorgeous property, the resort could comfortably accommodate those among the bride and groom’s 85 guests, who were travelling from British Columbia and Toronto.

On the day of the wedding, the rainy summer continued to send showers. The couple’s outdoor wedding ceremony had to be moved inside the Valleyview Tent, where the reception was to be held. The ceremony’s arbour and pots of lovely 34 Wedding Trends 2018

summer floral arrangements were brought in and set under the tent’s draped ceiling and softly lit chandeliers. With the bride’s fondness for candlelight, lanterns were arranged and lit to illuminate the space for the couple’s wedding ceremony. A variety of lanterns already warmed the reception area and fresh roses added beauty.

“We kept the decorations for the reception and the ceremony very simple,” Ashlyn says.

“Everything was lanterns and roses. I put lanterns everywhere possible, lit them and surrounded them with pink rose petals and lots of candles and tea lights.”

Wearing flowing blush pink gowns with soft V-necks and graceful straps, the bridesmaids processed down the aisle at the start of the ceremony to join the groom and his groomsmen.

The groomsmen wore suits accented with blush pink bowties that matched the ladies’ outfits, while the groom sported a dark pink bowtie. As the bride appeared, an instrumental version of

the song Only Hope from the movie A Walk to Remember began to play. It was one of the slow-but-happy lovey-dovey songs the couple chose to create a serene yet joyful atmosphere at their ceremony. Ashlyn glowed in a white lace gown with a sweetheart neckline and full, layered skirt designed with a small train. A hairpin sparkled beneath her veil as she walked down the aisle to exchange marriage vows with her love. Keeping with tradition, she wore something old as well as her new wedding dress and engagement ring.

“I wore my great grandmother’s pearls,” Ashlyn says. “My Aunt wore them at her wedding as well. They are beautiful a string of pearls, with the pearls near the clasp being smaller.”

After Ashlyn and Jamie said their vows and had their first kiss as husband and wife, their guests’ reacted with collective approval.

A relaxed cocktail hour followed. Friends

and family had the opportunity to introduce themselves, have a chat and catch up with each other. When it came time for dinner, everyone found their seats before going up to visit the sumptuous buffet.

Following the casual and delicious dinner, the DJ from Keep Them Dancing kicked off a night of dancing and fun with a mix of popular and rock songs.

“Some songs were new and some were older, but they all were songs you could sing along to,” Ashlyn says. “People love to sing along and it kept the dance floor full all night long.”

Guests went home with small packets of wildflower seeds to plant, grow and watch blossom. The packets read “Let Love Grow.” After having the wedding day of their dreams, the newlyweds are currently dreaming about having a honeymoon in Jamaica sometime in the future.

For now, they are growing their marriage with lots of love. ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Ring: Jeff Walters Jewellers, Barrie Hairpin: DoriAnne Ross Dress Shop Helen’s Bridal, Barrie Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Collins Formal Wear, Barrie Caterer/venue Horseshoe Resort, Barrie Church/Hall Horseshoe Resort, Barrie Music/DJ Keep Them Dancing Hair Stylist/Makeup Hair & makeup: Sonia Trumble Invitations Vistaprint Florist Florals supplied by family member Rental Beach and Barn Wedding Rentals Photographer Camilla - Castle Avenue Photography Table/Guest Favours Let Love Grow – wildflower seed envelopes Wedding Party Gifts Bridemaids: robes, champagne, spa day for mani and pedis Total Cost of Wedding $25,000

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calla jimmy S eptemb er 2 3 , 2 0 1 6

Autumn Wedding in Windermere

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Kieran Darcy Photography

W

hen you grow up in Muskoka, you know the breathtaking beauty and stunning natural glory that arrives when the seasons change from summer to autumn. The forests blaze with colour, lakes shimmer under bright blue skies and the smell of wood smoke threads the clear air.

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That’s why Muskoka natives Calla Pfrimmer and Jimmy Temple, who live in London, Ont., wanted to come home and become husband and wife in autumn.

After announcing their engagement in September 2015, the couple chose September 23, 2016, as the start of their marriage. “We definitely wanted a fall wedding because of the scenery up north at that time,” Calla says. “We had guests who had never seen Muskoka in the fall and were amazed.”

Calla and Jimmy met in grade nine at Huntsville High School and became good friends. Romance came later for the pair.

While growing up, Calla took piano lessons from local teacher Sarah Spring. Neither student nor teacher could have guessed that one day Sarah would play piano as bride Calla walked down the aisle. After graduating high school in 2011, the high school sweethearts moved to London to attend the University of Western Ontario.

Though the couple was certain they wanted to exchange their vows in Muskoka, they were less clear about where to hold their wedding. After touring a number of resorts in the area, they arrived at historical Windermere House on Lake Rosseau.

“When we got to Windermere House, we knew right away that it was where we wanted to get married,” Calla says. “The resort and the property were beautiful and the staff was very professional right from the start. We had a lot of positive feedback from our guests about the resort.”

Contemporary decorations mixed with Muskoka’s rustic charms were used to express the wedding’s urban rustic theme.

Using a colour palette of white, pale pink and gold, the couple set a beautiful scene for their reception in the comfortable Islandview Room. “We wanted to keep everything modern but include those rustic Muskoka ties,” Calla says.

The couple’s outdoor ceremony on Windermere House’s spacious lawn was framed by beautiful Lake Rosseau. Beneath a lakeside arbour, the groom, his best man Graham and groomsmen Adam, Devin, Nathan, Andrew and Jonny stood in front of the couple’s 100 guests beneath sunny skies. The men wore stylish charcoal suits with an appropriate calla lily boutonniere.

Maid of honour Abby and bridesmaids Anna, Megan, Amy, Jenn and Mickeelie, dressed in short sleeveless blush pink dresses, came down the aisle. Then Calla appeared in an exquisite lace appliqued gown with a crystal belt and long train

beneath a cathedral length veil. As she walked down the aisle, Sarah Spring played one of her own songs on piano. “Sarah had initially played that song for me years ago,” Calla says.

As Calla walked toward her love, a cherished memory was born. “Seeing Jimmy for the first time as I was coming down the aisle was so special,” Calla says. “We didn’t do a first look. We just kept things traditional.

Jimmy was very emotional, which is unusual for him. It was very touching.”

After witnessing the “I Dos,” guests strolled to the resort’s grand verandah for a cocktail hour of canapés, cool beverages and conversation. A delicious plated dinner followed in the Islandview Room. The speeches made during the meal by both sets

of parents, the maid of honour and the best man were treasured by the bride and groom.

Afterwards, the newlyweds cut into their splendid white, pale pink and gold three-tiered wedding cake.

“Our cake was so beautiful,” Calla says.

“A friend of my sister-in-law’s who lives in Newmarket and is known for her outstanding cakes created it for us. Flowers trailed down from the top and the outside was textured.”

Guests hit the floor for an evening of dancing to a blend of classic and contemporary music. After working up an appetite, guests sampled the late night treats supplied by the resort’s restaurant operator, Oliver and Bonacini.

The bride and groom later enjoyed a fabulous beach honeymoon in Aruba. ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Michael Hill Dress Shop Garber’s Bridal, London Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Moores Honeymoon/Travel Agent Marion Rose – Elgin Travel Caterer Oliver & Bonacini – Windermere House, Muskoka Church/Hall Windermere House, Muskoka Music/DJ Scott Dunlop – Muskoka Music Source Hair Stylist/Makeup Hair: Kacie LeBlanc Kacie’s Designer Looks Makeup: Melissa Hall Make Me Beautiful Invitations Wedding Paper Divas Florist Cottage Country Flowers, Huntsville Photographer Kieran Darcy Photography Table/Guest Favours Maple syrup and berry jam made by the bride’s parents

“When we got to Windermere House, we knew right away that it was where we wanted to get married.”

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Real Weddings

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elise tom June 3, 2017

Country Casual Wedding

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Emily Christine Photography

A

fter their engagement, Elise Dewolde and Tom Mackay knew exactly what kind of wedding they wanted to celebrate with their friends and family. It would be laid back and held in a beautiful place with nature for a backdrop and a country vibe. The couple did not have to look far from their Tottenham home to find a place that satisfied their vision.

38 Wedding Trends 2018

All of the tables were decorated with green garlands and white bud vases holding eucalyptus leaves.

2018 Wedding Trends 39

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Jewellery/Ring Design Mark Lash Fine Jewellery Dress Shop Gown Go Round, Newmarket Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Moores

“We fell in love with Drysdale’s,” says Elise, who married Tom at the popular country venue in Egbert on June 3, 2017. “What better place would there be to marry than at a greenhouse on a tree farm? For the reception in the greenhouse, the decor was neutral with simple white florals, white lanterns and natural greenery. All of the tables were decorated with green garlands and white bud vases holding eucalyptus leaves. I loved the look of the greenhouse and didn’t want to cover it up too much.”

Simplicity and the outdoors also factored into Tom’s proposal in April 2016. The couple often walked their dog at one of their favourite spots — the Tottenham Conservation Area. During a Saturday evening walk, Tom suggested they try an as yet unexplored path.

It led them down to a quiet waterfront where he totally surprised Elise by dropping to one knee.

“I was also surprised to find out he had started to look into getting my ring made the December before,” recalled Elise, who met her future spouse when a mutual friend introduced them in 2013. “It is a vintage style ring with a halo and a double band that has an antique look.”

In keeping with the casual feel of the wedding, the bridesmaids chose their own dresses in taupe gray. Coincidentally, they all chose halter neck styles. The groomsmen wore suspenders and navy bowties with their fresh dress shirts, while the groom chose to wear a classic tux. For the bride, her wedding gown was lovelier the second time around.

After falling out of love with the first gown she purchased, Elise fell in love with one she found at a consignment store. The champagne and gold gown was beautifully beaded from the waist up and had a graceful full-length skirt.

The couple’s ceremony took place before their 120 guests in a quaint gazebo near 40 Wedding Trends 2018

the Drysdale’s barn. Though the week had been full of thunderstorms, the sun shone brilliantly as Elise walked down the aisle to I Get to Love You, by Ruelle. A First Look photo session before the ceremony became the bride’s fondest memory of the amazing day.

“I asked our photographer and the assistant photographer to take a picture of Tom’s face and my face at the same time as we approached and saw each other,” Elise says. “We thought they captured the moment perfectly. We were both so very nervous. The moment we saw each other, we hugged right away for about five minutes straight. It was the most perfect moment because we both gave a sigh of relief. It was a like okay, we can do this now. We asked our wedding party to wait because we needed that quiet moment alone.

In the photos, you can see the nervousness in our faces. Then, we’re hugging and it’s the perfect photo.”

After enjoying an informal buffet dinner that featured a little bit of everything, such as chicken, pasta, salads and cheesecakes, family and friends rose to give heartfelt speeches to the newlyweds.

“The speeches were unreal,” Elise says. “Our best man and maid of honour just pinned it so perfectly. We both have these best friends who have been best friends all of our lives, and they gave amazing speeches. We just listened and cried so much.”

With plenty of country tunes ready to kick off the evening, the DJ from Scaraoke Entertainment began by playing a song for the bride and groom’s romantic first dance that brought back memories of the beginning of their relationship.

“Our day was perfect, and that was a nice surprise,” Elise says, with a smile. The couple later celebrated on the beach during their honeymoon at Grand Bahia Principe Ambar Blue in Punta Cana, Mexico. ❤

Caterer Casal Catering, Barrie Church/Hall Drysdale’s Tree Farm, Egbert Ceremony: Gazebo Reception: Greenhouse Music/DJ Scaraoke Entertainment Hair Stylist/Makeup Washington House Salon, Innisfil Invitations Minted.com Florist Country Lane Floral Design & Vintage Rentals Rentals Tiffany Party Rentals Country Lane Floral Design & Vintage Rentals Photographer Emily Christine Photography Table/Guest Favours The Honey Bee Store, Port Colborne Total Cost of Wedding $20,000

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Real Weddings

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brianne jeremy J u ly 1 5 , 2 0 1 7

Woodland Wedding

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Shoot for the Stars Photography

T

hree years ago, Camp Bivouac coordinator Brianne Watmore took her young campers to the Tiffin Centre for Conservation in Utopia to participate in their summer outdoor education program. As the kids fished in the ponds with nets and joined in team building activities, Brianne fell in love with the centre’s acres of trails, woodlands, meadows and forests.

2018 Wedding Trends 43

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Jewellery/Ring Design Michael Hill Dress Shop Amanda-Lina’s Sposa Boutique, Woodbridge Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Collins Formal Wear, Barrie Honeymoon/Travel Agent Briony Johnson – Sears Travel Services, Barrie Caterer Catering by Colin, Barrie Church/Hall Tiffin Centre for Conservation Music/DJ Bride and groom’s friend Jeff Guindon Hair Stylist/Makeup Bride’s Hair: Bride’s Mom Bridesmaids Hair: Sarah’s Green Hairapy Eco/Health Friendly Hairstyling Makeup: Shannon Pringle Invitations Design: bride & groom Printing: Georgian Print and Copy Florist Jo-Dee’s Blooms and Things, Angus Rentals Tiffany Party Rentals, Barrie Photographer Shoot for the Stars Photography Table/Guest Favours Barrie Bee Wedding Party Gifts Boohoo.com Etsy - houseofknives.ca Total Cost of Wedding $15,000

“There is a beautiful walkway at the entrance,” says Brianne, who at the time was in love with, but not engaged to, Jeremy Whiteside. “The first thing I thought was this would be a wonderful place for a wedding. I asked the woman setting up the camp activities if the centre did weddings and the answer was yes. She gave me a wedding package. I took it home and hid it where my then boyfriend wouldn’t find it. After that, Jeremy and I often went there for walks because we loved the beauty. When we got engaged, we met with someone at the Tiffin Centre to make arrangements the following week.”

Jeremy’s proposal plans centred on a gorgeous outdoor setting. He planned a sunset proposal to Brianne during a camping trip to Bruce Peninsula National Park near Tobermory.

“When the sun is setting, the view over the water is very scenic,” Jeremy says. “There are large cliffs overlooking Georgian Bay. We went up to 44 Wedding Trends 2018

the top of the cliffs and sat with our feet over the edge. When I asked Brianne to marry me, she immediately said yes. Our engagement date was Canada Day, July 1, 2016, so we chose a wedding date that was closest to a year later. It turned out to be July 15, 2017.”

Brianne and Jeremy had been locker neighbours at school since grade 8 because the lockers were organized alphabetically by last name. They were good friends, but it wasn’t until grade 12 when they realized how perfectly they complemented each other. They had their first date in November during grade 12, and have been together ever since.

For their wedding party, the couple asked their friends Gabrielle Belisle to be the maid of honour and Derick Fleurime to be best man. Bridesmaids Celeste Mattinson and McKenna Farmer and groomsmen Jeremy Fecteau and James Johnson completed the esteemed group. With their navy

dress pants and shirts, the groomsmen wore suspenders and blush bow ties that matched the bridesmaids’ gowns.

The bride’s princess-style ball gown with a floral crystal bodice and full skirt was the wedding dress she had dreamed about. However, the beautiful creation added to some preceremony drama. On the way to the ceremony with her parents, Brianne realized she did not have a copy of her vows. Returning home, the bride found her gorgeous gown had wedged her securely into the vehicle.

“My dress filled the car, so my dad went upstairs to my closet to find my vows,” Brianne says. “He couldn’t find the paper, so my mom went to look for it. When she couldn’t find it, I realized I had not printed out my vows. So, I wrote out my vows during the five-minute trip to the Centre. Jeremy usually forgets things, but his best man kept reminding him about taking his vows with him. My parents got me and my dress out of the car and the ceremony started a little a bit later than planned.”

Just before the bride walked down the aisle her aunt, who travelled from New Brunswick, gave Brianne her great-grandmother’s ring. “Many of the women in my family have worn this ring when they married,” Brianne says. “I didn’t know about it, so it was really wonderful of her to do this for me.”

Other guests among the 100 attending had journeyed a long distance for the big day. Jeremy’s uncle, aunt and cousin came north from Orlando, Florida. Another uncle and aunt of Jeremy’s came from Alberta. His grandfather arrived from Haiti to see the first of his grandchildren marry.

After Brianne and Jeremy exchanged their vows, the new husband and wife led the way to a sumptuous buffet served by Catering by Colin. The chicken, roast beef, potatoes, salads, vegetables and desserts brought raves from the guests.

However, the pièce de résistance was tiers of Sweet Oven butter tarts in four flavours created in lieu of a wedding cake. The delicious innovation celebrated a habit from the start of their relationship. At the time, Jeremy worked close to Sweet Oven. He would often pick up a butter tart to bring to Brianne after work, and she would often deliver one to Jeremy at his office.

The newlyweds had their first dance outside under the trees as a bridesmaid sang Perfect by Ed Sheeran and the best man played guitar. The beautiful event became one of Brianne’s most cherished memories of their day.

“A boardwalk wraps around the reception hall and steps lead down to a clearing in the forest,” said Brianne. “We danced in the clearing just as the sun was beginning to set and it was just beautiful. Everyone lined up along the boardwalk to watch us. ” And what was Jeremy’s best memory about the day? “The second we were married and could walk down the aisle as husband and wife,” he says.

“When it was all done and I kissed my bride.” ❤

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Real Weddings

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hilary chris June 10, 2017

Simply Comfortable at Home

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Jennifer Hladkowicz, Love Free Studio

H

illary Ledden and Christopher West agreed that there were two requirements for their wedding. It had to be simple in every aspect, and everyone had to feel comfortable throughout the whole day. The bride foreshadowed their wedding wishes when she created anagrams of their names soon after she and Chris began dating.

2018 Wedding Trends 47

“My favourite moment was when my husband said his vows to me, and our first kiss...”

“I realized that if you mixed ‘Chris’ and ‘Hill’ together, you could make the word ‘chill,’” Hillary says. “My last name is ‘Ledden’ and his is ‘West,’ so mixed together they could be ‘wedden.’ One day I told Chris that we were going to have a ‘chill wedden’. When we got engaged, I thought that should be our little motto. It went on our invitations and other things. I don’t know how many people realized what it actually meant, but it was special for us.”

For the sake of both simplicity and comfort, the newly engaged couple chose to have their ceremony in the familiar and crowd-friendly backyard of Chris’ parents’ home in New Lowell, a town in the Stayner area. One particular forested spot in the yard, with two picturesque trees and a stand of lovely firs, seemed to be the ideal wedding site.

48 Wedding Trends 2018

“Chris built an arbour from birch trees for the ceremony and set up chairs for our guests,” Hillary says. “The weather was good, warmer than we expected. We had moved back from British Columbia the previous August and had forgotten what summer might be like.”

Of the 58 guests on the couple’s invitation list, about half were travelling from Hillary’s hometown of Ottawa. The bride and groom had purposely kept the gathering small.

“We didn’t want anyone at our wedding that we wouldn’t be totally comfortable seeing there,” Hillary says. “Anyone who I was not close to was close to Chris, so it was great.”

In keeping with the simple, comfortable wedding requirements, the bridesmaids, Hillary’s sister and her best friend, wore dresses of their own choosing and the groomsmen wore what they wanted. Plus a

vest. “I wanted the men to keep it simple, but my mother-in-law bought them vests,” Hillary says, with a smile.

Family members Koda and Puffcat, the couple’s dog and cat, did not walk down the aisle, but were included in post-ceremony photos. Hillary and Chris’s home handily backed onto the ceremony site, so their pets were a short walk away. Photos taken by Jennifer Hladkowicz of the pets and their parents, and of the entire wedding, were wonderful.

“Our photographer was amazing,” Hillary says. “When I look through our pictures, they are just magical. We were so happy with Jennifer.”

The wedding party made an adorable entrance with the bride’s six-year-old niece and flower girl, Zoey, and three-year-old nephew and ring bearer, Ollie, leading the way. As a slow cover version of Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros played, Hillary came down the sunny outdoor aisle in a simple but beautiful satin wedding gown, with flowers tucked into her hair, accompanied by her father, Terry.

What happened next became one of her fondest wedding day memories. “My favourite moment was when my husband said his vows to me, and our first kiss,” she says. “I’ll never forget the connection we felt in those moments.”

After their vows, the bride and groom left as husband and wife for their wedding reception at the nearby Brentwood Community Centre. Though guests lingered outdoors to enjoy the warm evening, everyone came inside when the bride and groom make a smoking hot dancing entrance to Come and Get Your Love by Redbone. “It was the best entrance ever,” says Hillary.

Guests enjoyed a gourmet barbeque of burgers, veggie burgers and sausages served with fries and gourmet toppings such as mango salsa and grilled pineapple. Their unique wedding cake, made by Chris’s mom, was a decorated dinosaur cake.

The couple thanked everyone for coming, especially those who traveled a long way, before having their first dance to Four Leaf Clover by Christian Hudson. Niece Zoey serenaded the newlyweds with a special song.

To the happy bride and groom, the day was perfect.

“Nothing ever goes exactly as you want it,” says Hillary, who is now expecting the couple’s first child, “but that’s perfect in its own way.” ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design DC Taylor’s, Collingwood Dress Shop Opportunity Bridal – travelling dress sale Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Le Chateau; H & M; Sears Caterer Sheri & Scott Griff, New Lowell Church/Hall Ceremony: Groom’s parent’s back yard Reception: Brentwood Community Centre Music/DJ Wayne Bell – friend of groom’s father Hair Stylist/Makeup Bride’s best friend & bridesmaid Madison Conlin Invitations Vistaprint Florist Wasaga Flowers Rentals Tiffany Party Rentals Photographer Jennifer Hladkowicz, Love Free Studio Table/Guest Favours Small organza bag of Ferrero Rocher chocolates, York Mint Patty and Hershey’s Kisses, put together by the mother of the bride Wedding Party Gifts Swell drink bottles Total Cost of Wedding $7,000

2018 Wedding Trends 49

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alysha kyle

50 Wedding Trends 2018

Real Weddings

March 11, 2017

Rustic Winter Wedding

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Liz Ericson Photography

W

hen Barrie’s Alysha Emmans was in elementary school, she had a major crush on Kyle Hughson, a boy who was two grades ahead of her.

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“I used to be absolutely infatuated with Kyle,” Alysha says, who first met her future husband in 2001, but moved away from the area in 2004. “I would see him on the playground and say he was my future boyfriend. Ten years later, I saw him in a picture with a girlfriend of mine on Facebook.

That led to us talking online. We finally met in person in August 2013.”

After they announced their engagement, Alysha and Kyle, who were both born in the winter, decided to tie the knot in the winter as well. With a wedding date of March 11, 2017, the couple chose to enjoy their snowy nuptials at the stunningly rustic Hockley Valley Inn, where their guests could stay in cozy accommodations in the countryside.

“When we visited the Hockley Valley Resort in the wintertime, it was absolutely gorgeous,” Alysha says. “We are huge snowboarders, and it is a snowboarding and ski resort in winter.

We fell in love and chose it for our ceremony and reception.”

Decor for their reception’s rustic winter theme in the large Montclair Ballroom included natural materials like birch wood, candles for glow and soft-hued florals. Baby’s breath, light pink blooms and navy blue thistles rose gracefully from square birch paper-wrapped vases on every table.

“My mother, Kyle’s mother and my maid of honour, Jennifer Naujok, helped me do all of the decorating the night before our wedding,” Alysha says. “Our florist helped by lending us some trees, boxes and other items to set up the part of the ballroom used for the reception.

The ceremony was held in the other half of the room. Just outside of the ballroom, a comfortable area was set up for our cocktail hour.”

The couple’s wedding day was, as they wished, very wintery.

“It was actually freezing outside the day we married, but it was beautiful,” Kyle says. “It was snowing lightly, so it was perfect.”

The couple’s 133 guests, including Alysha’s uncle and aunt, who drove 13 hours from Geraldton, Ont/, for their niece’s nuptials, all arrived safely and on time. The bride had a case of pre-wedding jitters, but had lots of loving people around to calm her.

“They kept offering me wine and so forth because I was so nervous,” Alysha said. “Right before the ceremony, our officiant, who was Kyle’s former babysitter who had known him since he was four years old, came to see me.

She gave me a pep talk and a spiritual talk. It was great. She reminded me that all the people here are people I know and love. I said, ‘I know, but I’m so nervous!’”

With such affectionate support, the bride overcame her nerves and looked gorgeous in

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a Maggie Citero ivory silk mermaid gown, ideal for a winter bride. After the entry of her bridesmaids, who wore strapless dark navy blue gowns, Alysha walked down the aisle to exchange vows with her love.

Following a convivial cocktail hour, guests were seated for an excellent three-course dinner. Instead of a wedding cake, the couple chose an assortment of cupcakes topped by a special bride and groom cupcake. Those with a yen for more treats could choose from a wellstocked candy table. For late night appetites, Hockley Valley hosted a pizza station.

One of the bride’s fondest memories from the day was the speeches made by family and friends after dinner. “Both my mom and Kyle’s mom did a speech together, as well as my maid of honour, Jennifer, and the best man, Jake Dermott,” Alysha says. “We cried and we laughed.”

To make sure everyone had a chance to dance, the couple chose a mix of music from every era to suit all age groups. DJ Adam John kept the floor lively and everyone had a great time.

After their wedding, Alysha and Kyle relaxed for a week before leaving for a tropical honeymoon in Cuba. ❤

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Dress Shop Gown Go Round, Newmarket Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Moores Caterer/venue Hockley Valley Resort Music/DJ DJ Adam John – GTA DJ Service Hair Stylist/Makeup Maryellen Nault – The Art of Makeup & Hair Invitations Vistaprint Florist Jackie – Floral Foodland Photographer Liz Ericson Photography Total Cost of Wedding $28,000

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katie derek S e pte mbe r 1 7 , 2 0 1 6

Wedding on Georgian Bay

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Katelyn Jay Photography

K

atie Nelson was born in Parry Sound on the shores of Georgian Bay, and Derek McLeod was raised in the town of Huntsville in Muskoka. They grew up boating, waterskiing, fishing and camping by the water every summer. So when they started dating, being on the water was a favourite place to be together and have fun. It seemed natural to Derek to propose marriage to Katie while surrounded by the blue embrace of Georgian Bay.

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Katie’s relatives provided them with splendid waterfront places

for their ceremony and reception

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“We had gone out on the Bay with our dog, Duke,” Katie says. “We stopped at a couple of places and then went out to Franklin Island, a big island not too far off shore. Derek had scoped out a spot ahead of time to propose to me. It turned out that for a week, Derek left dressed to go to work but would change and drive to Barrie and Toronto to have my ring made. I had no idea.”

The couple met at Parry Sound High School. They had the same group of friends, but never spent time together alone. When Katie came home for Christmas during her last year of university, best friend (and future wedding party member) Alyssa Smith let her know that Derek was crushing on her.

Katie thought she was kidding. Alyssa and boyfriend, now fiancé, Alain deVries-Scott encouraged Derek to ask Katie out, and their story began.

Katie and Derek wanted a wedding date that was about a year after their engagement.

September 17, 2016, seemed right. “”We wanted a date near the end of the

summer so all our family and friends could attend after a busy summer in Muskoka,” said Katie, who has waitressed for five summers at the renowned fish and chips eaterie Gilly’s Restaurant and Marine in Sung Harbour.

“When we announced the date to both sets of our parents, we discovered it was the same day Derek’s parents married. We knew it was perfect and began to plan.”

The couple wanted to get married beside Georgian Bay. Fortunately, Katie’s relatives provided them with splendid waterfront places for their ceremony and reception. When they asked the bride’s cousin Judy Keown if they could hold their ceremony at her beautiful bayfront home, she was happy to say yes. The house overlooks Franklin Island, the scene of Derek’s proposal, so the couple were doubly pleased to accept. Cousin and co-owner of Gilly’s, Sarah Douglas, suggested they use the restaurant for their reception. A shuttle would take them around the corner to the ceremony at Judy’s house.

On the day of the wedding, Katie felt very nervous. Then, she saw Derek for the first time that day.

“Just seeing him, I was suddenly calm but excited,” Katie says. “That moment really stayed with me. The whole day was a lot of fun. It was the perfect day for us.”

For her bridal jewellery, Katie wore her new engagement ring, a pearl necklace from her Nan, a bracelet that was custom made from her mom’s pearls, and an old blue earring that had belonged to her great grandmother. Her graceful wedding gown’s princess skirt had seven bustles to make it dance-friendly.

The newlyweds arrived at the reception in the same car that Katie’s parents drove away in on their wedding day. Being country music fans, the bride and groom went country for

their ceremony’s music. The wedding party entered to “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes, while the bride and her Dad came down the aisle to “In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett Young.

The couple said their vows before Pastor Leon, the minister from their church. Guests gleefully made their approval known as he pronounced them husband and wife.

The reception tent at Gilly’s was outfitted with a well-stocked bar, large dance floor, tables covered with crisp white linens and a tempting buffet. The Log Cabin, a local restaurant famous for its fine fare, provided fresh bread, salmon, chicken, fresh seasonal salads and much more.

The theme of the reception was nautical with decorations DIY’ed by the bride, groom and the bride’s mom. Katie created blue-andwhite lighthouses centrepieces. Table numbers were set atop wooden squares emblazoned with pictures of places on Georgian Bay and in Parry Sound. Blue-and-white striped table runners were handmade by Katie’s mom. Even the chocolate, vanilla and rainbow tiers of the wedding cake made by a friend sported a waterside look.

After the meal, local band Just For Kicks launched the reception into high gear.

“They were so great and we had so much fun,” Katie says. “They kept calling me and Derek to dance about every half hour throughout the night. We just went out there and did our thing.”

For those who worked up an appetite on the dance floor, a special late night treat awaited.

“Chris Mariancus, a friend who did our guest favours, has Mama Mary’s BBQ Sauce,” said Katie. “His mom own a a pizza place in Orillia. He brought frozen pizza for everyone.

As a midnight snack and it went over very well.” ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Engagement ring: custom made at Ben Moss Jewellers

Music/DJ Band – Just for Kicks

Photographer Wedding & engagement: Katelyn Jay Photography

Dress Shop Amanda-Lina’s Sposa Boutique, Woodbridge

Hair Stylist/Makeup Hair: a la mode salon, Parry Sound Makeup: friend and makeup artist Aly Doran

Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Moores, Barrie

Invitations Cindy Jacklin – Minute Man Press

Caterer The Log Cabin, Parry Sound

Florist Tannis Mack – Pardon My Garden, Parry Sound

Wedding Party Gifts Bridesmaids: Kate Spade bracelet & earrings Groomsmen: wedding suspenders & bowtie, Leatherman tool

Rentals Applause Party Rentals

Total Cost of Wedding $21,000

Church/Hall Home of cousin Judy Keown, Parry Sound Officiant: Pastor Leon

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Table/Guest Favours Momma Mari’s BBQ Sauce with custom wedding labels by Chris Marinakos

Saying

“IinDO ” 2018?

Make sure you share your wedding with us & your day could be featured in our 2019 edition of Wedding Trends Magazine!

SUBMIT 5 FAVOURITE PHOTOS (under 5mb please)

goodlife@simcoe.com SUBJECT LINE: WEDDING 2019

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Real Weddings

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kim mike June 3, 2017

Enduring Love

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Holly Bodkin, Hipnotik Photography

K

im Acton and Mike Colbourn met during the summer of 2005 and fell in love. But after seven months, they went their separate ways Maybe the timing wasn’t right, or life held other adventures for them, but Kim and Mike followed separate paths for a decade.

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The bride created a flower wall made of lacy doilies with pearl centres.

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When Kim received an out-of-the-blue online message from Mike in 2015, she was a recently separated mother of two beautiful daughters. Mike, who was Kim’s first love, remembered in intricate detail the things he loved, and still loved, about her. Kim, who had kept a box of everything Mike had given her during their relationship, felt the same affection. They arranged to meet.

“When he messaged me, I couldn’t even breathe because I wondered if this was for real,” recalls Kim. “He was blown away that I had kept everything he gave me. I held on to it, and he came back for me. As soon as I saw him, I felt the exact same love. He bonded instantly with my girls because he has the biggest heart of anyone I know. We are all better for having him in our lives.”

The summer after they reunited, Mike took Kim ATVing for the first time. Muddy from the ride, the couple went on a post-trek cruise in his boat. Mike brought out a cake he had made from Kim’s favourite Hershey’s Cookies and Cream chocolate bars decorated with handmade chocolate hearts that said “I love you”. When a ring appeared within the cake, Mike proposed to a very surprised Kim. They chose June 3, 2017 as their wedding day and later learned from Mike’s parents that it was his grandparents’ anniversary.

For their vision of a formal vintage wedding with a lace and pearl theme, the couple discovered Getting Hitched Rentals in Collingwood was the perfect choice. The company created a romantic ambiance in cream and white at their venue, Liberty North in Barrie. Liberty North had a welcoming atmosphere and owner Lori went above and beyond to make their wedding daydreams come true. Kim also added many personal touches to their wedding day.

Heritage lace and assorted vintage teacups from her grandmother were used at the reception. The bride created a flower wall made of lacy doilies with pearl centres, and wrapped the bridesmaids’ bouquets with blush pink material from the flower girl dress her sister wore at their grandmother’s wedding.

Wearing a gorgeous full ball gown with layers of bold lace, the bride walked down the aisle to “Make It Rain” by Bruno Mars.

The memory of saying her vows to her love became one of Kim’s most cherished of their day.

“I worked on my vows for a year, so my favourite part of the wedding was having the courage to say them,” she explained. “I wasn’t nervous about marrying Mike, but nervous about saying the vows because it was truly speaking from a place of hurt and going to so much good.”

Post-ceremony, the couple’s 100 family and friends were served a wonderful meal 60 Wedding Trends 2018

of Caesar salad, pasta with rose sauce and Lemon Chicken followed by crème brule.

More sweets were offered at a chocolatestocked Candy Bar, and late night appetites were soothed at a pizza and pretzel station.

After the newlyweds had their first dance, guests hit the floor all evening to top 40 tunes courtesy of the groom’s friend Connor Burke.

The blending of the past and present in the couple’s love story extended to their photographer, Holly Bodkin, owner of Hipnotik Photography. Holly had photographed Kim’s daughters many times as they grew and held a place in the bride’s heart. She checked the photographer’s availability first when planning the wedding.

After their dream wedding, Kim and Mike relaxed and celebrated at a Mexican honeymoon, ecstatic that they were finally together as husband and wife. ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Ben Moss Jewellers Dress Shop New Bridal, Vaughan Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Tip Top Tailors Honeymoon/Travel Agent Sell Off Vacations.com Caterer Liberty North Church/Hall Liberty North Music/DJ Connor Burke, friend of groom Hair Stylist/Makeup Hair: Karli Rockbrune, friend of bride Makeup: Alexandria Madden Invitations By groom’s sister Christine Kulina Florist Kim Janse Harvest Designs Rentals Getting Hitched Wedding and Events Photographer Holly Bodkin, Hipnotik Photography Table/Guest Favours Cookies by One Wedding Plan Wedding Party Gifts Bridesmaids: personalized gift Groomsmen: Groom rented Sea-Doos for weekend at groom’s family cottage Total Cost of Wedding $20,000

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amy ian

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“We hung out and had drinks, but I was going back to Alberta, so that’s as far as things went,” says Amy, who eventually did get to know Ian well enough to marry him on July 15, 2017. “When I moved back to Barrie in 2013, we met again at the same house and hit it off.”

The couple began dating in January 2014, moved into their home in August and later welcomed daughter Emma. The proposal happened in November 2016 at Sunnidale Park in Barrie, where they often walked their lovable dog, Charlie. Amy’s parents were visiting from Thunder Bay. Ian was determined they would get this good news in person rather than the usual way — via Face Time.

“He was acting strangely,” Amy says. “We had just talked about fantasy football and he said, ‘I’m so nervous.’ I said, ‘About your football team?’ Then he brought out the ring and got down on one knee. It was wonderful that my parents got be part of the celebration afterwards. I’m so glad Ian planned it that way.”

Knowing they had guests travelling from all over Canada plus Australia and the U.S., the couple planned to make their wedding a weekend getaway at a place with great accommodation, nightlife and restaurants.

Blue Mountain Resort and the lively Village at Blue ticked all the boxes. Amy and Ian had often gone there to snowboard, hike or grab lunch on a Village patio. The only available date for their reception room was July 15.

Luckily, that was perfect.

Unintentional matchmakers Kate and Chris were asked to be in the wedding party along with bridesmaids Amy Tisi and Natalie Jurcik, Maid of Honour Jillian McColl, Best Man Kenny MacKenzie and groomsman Matthew McCormick. Officiant Joanne DeGasperis would perform the scenic mountaintop wedding ceremony with its panoramic view of the mountains and Georgian Bay. For her wedding, Amy wanted to look like a princess and she did. She wore a beautiful white ball gown with a lace bodice, lots of iridescent beading to catch the light and a blingy belt. Happily, her mom’s wedding veil matched the dress perfectly.

Real Weddings

J u ly 1 5 , 2 0 1 7

Mountaintop Marriage

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Elizabeth & Claudia photography

I

t was second time lucky for Amy Sprickerhoff and Ian Matchett when it came to noticing each other. They saw each other for the first time when Amy came to Barrie from Alberta in June 2012, for a girls’ weekend at the home of friend (and future bridesmaid) Kate Pasinelli. Ian, who was also a friend of Kate’s, was at the house building a patio.

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On Friday night, most guests joined the wedding party at Blue Mountain for a daytime spa visit and an evening at the pub. On Saturday, a pre-ceremony First Look photo session turned into one of the most memorable parts of the day for the bride and groom. The couple were generally treated as rock stars as they strolled the Village for a few hours. Patio patrons rose and applauded, clapped and whistled. The about-to-be weds joined in a hula-hoop contest and danced to a band while The Simcoe News captured their moves.

“The whole village just stood still and clapped for us,” Amy says. “ We were greeted around every corner with standing ovations.

People took selfies with us. One of our first dates was at Blue Mountain to snowboard, so we went back to one of the bars where we had after ski drinks and did a shot.

These unplanned things made the day very special.”

At the lofty ceremony site, the sun shone down as flower girl Emma was carried down the aisle by the groom a.k.a her Dad. The one-year-old wore a pretty white dress similar to her mom’s gown. Musician Marlon Gibbons performed a beautiful instrumental piece on acoustic guitar as the bridesmaids and radiant bride came down the aisle.

After Amy and Ian exchanged their vows, the newlyweds joined their guests for a gondola ride down the mountain to a cocktail hour on the large patio outside the Georgian Bay Ballroom. The reception décor all came courtesy of Amy’s creative parents, who used trees from their property to make wooden boxes, sewed table runners from burlap and lace and created flower arrangements for the centrepieces.

An amazing buffet by Blue Mountain featured a variety of salads, beef striploin, rosemary chicken, gnocci and breads. Guests helped themselves to a dessert buffet, a candy bar, a pizza bar at midnight and a dog treat bar compliments of Charlie. Guests could take bags of treats home to their pooches that, like Charlie, couldn’t attend.

Meanwhile, guests danced the night away to a fabulous array of tunes.

“The reception was a blast,” Amy says.

“We had so much fun dancing and the food was phenomenal. We were blown away by how accommodating the staff at Blue Mountain was to us, including wedding coordinator Emma Towers.”

When asked for a favourite memory from their wedding day, the couple couldn’t pick just one.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better day.

Everything about it absolutely exceeded our expectations.” ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Corona Jewellery Company, Toronto Dress Shop Best for Bride, Barrie Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Moores Caterer Blue Mountain Resort Church/Hall Blue Mountain Resort Ceremony: Mountain top Reception: Georgian Bay Ballroom Music/DJ Big Event Entertainment Hair Stylist/Makeup Hair: Rebecca Vitums, Blush Bridal Makeup: Angela Nijakowski, Makeup J’adore Invitations Vistaprint Florist Kimberley Lewis, Kimberley’s Country Flowers & Wedding Décor Rentals Chair covers: Fresh Events & Design, Barrie Photographer Elizabeth & Claudia Videographer Cameron Tisi Table/Guest Favours Candy Bar & Dog Treat Bar Wedding Party Gifts Bridesmaids: spa day at Scandinave Spa, pajamas from Victoria’s Secret Groomsmen: tux rental, personalized gift box with bottle of liquor, tie & socks Total Cost of Wedding $30,000

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rhonda nathaniel A ug ust 2 6 , 2 0 1 7

Wedding in the Woods

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Brendan Wield Photography

T

here are a thousand details to attend to during the week before a wedding, but Rhonda Rumsey and Nathaniel Lees found a way to add one more thing to their list — sell their house. The couple sold their Orillia home four days before the Big Day.

66 Wedding Trends 2018

“Everyone asked us if we were crazy and we’d say, ‘Yes, we’re nuts,’” says Rhonda, who with Nathan couldn’t turn down a conditionfree offer, despite the date’s proximity to their August 26, 2017 wedding. “We are building a new home this spring, so we skipped the honeymoon to save for the house.”

The couple moved into Rhonda’s parents’ home in Orillia, a significant place for the bride. It was where Rhonda was living when she met her future husband at high school, and where they spent a lot of time while dating. To complete the circle, they decided to marry in a secluded, forested area of her parent’s 100-acre property.

“It was so special to have our wedding right at home,” Rhonda says. “My dad built that house, so it has a lot of sentimental value to me and my family.”

Their wedding story began on Christmas morning, 2015 following a decade-long relationship. After buying their home in 2013, the couple decided to give each other one gift only. Rhonda bought her love something special that he wanted. He gave her a pair of Hudson’s Bay Canadian mittens. Rhonda loved the mitts, but she suspected it might be time for a ring to be in one of them. No ring in the first mitt.

Then Nathaniel suggested she try on the other mitt.

“No ring,” recalls Rhonda. “I’m slowly getting mad, but trying not to show it. Then he proceeded to watch television with me for the next hour and a half. He could tell I was annoyed. Eventually, he told me we had forgot the presents for Cooper, our Australian Shepherd puppy, and got Cooper’s bag.

Nathaniel was making Cooper do a lot of tricks for his presents and I, getting angrier, said stop and just give him his presents. He dropped a treat and went down onto one knee. That’s when he pulled the ring box out of Cooper’s bag and proposed. It was very romantic with just the two of us. Later, Nay told me he knew that watching TV that long would make me mad.”

The newly-engageds shared their good news with both sets of parents later that Christmas Day. However, Rhonda later learned some guests at the couple’s annual Christmas Eve party knew about the upcoming proposal. Her ring had secretly been in their house for a few weeks.

Rhonda and Nathan’s wedding party included the bride’s sister, Rebecca Grant, as maid of honour, and three of her best friends — Alissa Landry, Meredith Micks and Nikki Harrington — as bridesmaids, wearing sagegreen chiffon gowns. Groomsmen, looking sharp in their suits, included Nathaniel’s brother, Joel Lees, and best buds Mike Szczsney, Ian Howes and Eddie Kodis.

All of the tables were decorated with green garlands and white bud vases holding eucalyptus leaves.

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A flock of young nieces and nephews preceded the adults down the aisle including flower girls Esther, Ella and Ruthie and ring bearers Elijah, Reuben and two-year-old Aidan.

“They loved it,” Rhonda says. “Their gifts to us were their smiles. They all made it down the aisle perfectly. It was truly a family affair.”

The bride was glowing in a beaded lace mermaid-style Sophia Tolli gown that she picked out with her mother. She walked down the aisle to a cover version of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” to join her love under a graceful floral arbour. Appropriately, the couple signed the registry to “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles.

“It was the most ridiculously perfect weather day,” said Rhonda. “Sunny, but not hot.”

After the ceremony, the 115 guests started off the night watching a fabulous choreographed Rumba/Salsa dance by the newlyweds. Every Friday night since March, Rhonda and Nathaniel had driven to Kirkfield in the Kawartha Lakes area for private lessons with excellent dance instructor, Ken Atkinson. Their surprise dance routine was one of Rhonda’s treasured memories of the day.

“When we made our entrance, we went right into our dance,” said Rhonda. “Nathan killed it — he was so good. The lessons were a fun way to spend our Friday nights.

The long drive gave us time for chats. You definitely practice team work learning a dance together.”

During cocktail hour, guests could grab a bag and choose from three types of seasoned popcorn at the Kernels Popcorn Bar. Casal Catering of Barrie prepared a fantastic dinner featuring prime rib, dill alfredo chicken, roasted and mashed potatoes, vegetables, pasta and salad. The bride’s dessert choice was one of her favourite — a donut display and donut wall of Mariposa Market donuts had flavours to please every sweet tooth.

When it was time for everyone to get on the dance floor, a lively DJ mix that included oldies and Top 40 tunes kept the night lively. However, fight fans could watch the Las Vegas Ultimate Fighting Championship match between Floyd Mayweather and Conor MacGregor that was projected on the house.

“It looked awesome and was fun,” Rhonda says. “People were dancing, but they could also watch the fight. That was the highlight of the reception.” ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Town’s Jewellers, Orillia Dress Shop Sophie’s Gown Shoppe Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Timpano Suit and Tux, Barrie Caterer Casal Catering, Barrie Donuts: Mariposa Market, Orillia Wedding Cake CupCAKE, Barrie Music/DJ Bob Hawkins DJ, Newmarket Dance Lessons Ken Atkinson, Kirkfield ON Hair Stylist/Makeup Hair: Sharp Image, Orillia Makeup: Sara Dominelli Invitations Designed by Groom with Photoshop Rentals Décor: StoneBridge Design Co., Orillia Special Occasions, Orillia Elite Party Rentals, Barrie Events Party Rentals, Barrie Photographer Brendan Wield Photography Videographer Andrew Chow & Cynthia Yeo Table/Guest Favours Lottery tickets and a penny (“For richer or for poorer”) Wedding Party Gifts Bridesmaids: silk robes weddingprepgals.com Groomsmen: flasks - Weddingstar. com; cigars - Rama Moccasin & Smoke Total Cost of Wedding $35,000

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ami brian J u NE 3 , 2 0 1 7

Country Home Wedding

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Amy Vincent Photography

T

he old saying “there’s no place like home” was true for Ami Tait and Brian Jacklin when they decided where to hold their wedding. “There are many beautiful places in the world, but no place for us is as beautiful as our little home,” says Ami, who married Brian in a field behind their house near the village of Rosseau in Muskoka on June 3, 2017. “It holds many memories for us and this was another wonderful memory to add.”

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A freshly cut trail through an open hay field led to a circle for the ceremony.

The couple planned a casual, relaxed day for their 150 guests —including about 120 close relatives of the bride and groom. A freshly cut trail through an open hay field led to a circle for the ceremony. The site was decorated simply, with an arbour handbuilt by Brian and his best man, and hay bales for seating. Officiating the ceremony was Brian’s great uncle, a minister who travelled from Windsor, Ont., for the occasion. After saying their vows beneath a brilliantly sunny sky, the newlyweds led the way to a large reception tent that had been set up, or rather re-set up, in their home’s backyard.

The reception tent was rented from Rosseau Lake College and erected earlier in the week. However, Ami and Brian arrived home on Tuesday evening to find it blown down and ripped apart by a storm. Workers from Rosseau Lake College picked up the broken pieces and torn tarp on Wednesday.

They returned Thursday night, along with the couple’s family and friends, to re-erect the tent just in time to be decorated on Friday. The bride, her sister-in-law and a good friend did most of the decorating while best man Cody supplied a hand-made bar. A commemorative photo shows Ami and Brian, smiling bravely while standing on the corner of the dance floor with the tattered tent spread around them.

It was in that same field, on the spot where they would be married, that Brian proposed to Ami on a May long weekend after a camping trip to Tobermory.

“We were sitting on the tailgate of our truck looking at the sunset when he suddenly got down on one knee and asked me to marry him,” recalls Ami. “I wasn’t surprised because before we went camping, he went to my parent’s house every night for some reason.”

At the reception, guests were invited at their leisure to sample the delights of a buffet by Cottage Law Canteen. The local caterer prepared a fabulous selection of food including meats, salads and buildyour-own-sliders. After dinner, guests spent the evening dancing to ’80s and ’90s rock, country music and early 2000s tunes, courtesy of the popular DJ Dave from Parry Sound. Later, guests tucked into a late night gluten-free poutine bar that let family members with celiac join in the fun.

Ami and Brian treasure many memories from their wedding day, including their first dance when they both kicked off their shoes as they hit the floor. They also fondly recall spontaneous speeches from their parents.

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“We didn’t have a set time for speeches, so if anyone felt like saying something, they could come up and talk,” Ami says. “On the spur of the moment, our parents all came up and did a big speech. We both have rather shy parents, so it was special.”

A few days later, the newlyweds fulfilled a long held dream by attending the Country Music Awards in Nashville, Tennesee, on their honeymoon. A mini moon in October 2017 took them to Playa Del Carmen in Mexico.

Says Brian: “As we share a love for music and for the ocean, we decided to have two honeymoons and enjoy both.” ❤

loveit?

Jewellery/Ring Design Bride’s engagement ring: designed by Jeff Walters Jewellers, Barrie Bride’s wedding band- gift from her family Dress Shop Helen’s Bridal, Barrie Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Hudson’s Bay Caterer Cottage Law Canteen, Rosseau Music/DJ DJ Dave, Parry Sound Hair Stylist/Makeup Hair: Shelia at Mane on Main, Gravenhurst Makeup: Verity Watson, now at Mary Jo’s, Parry Sound Invitations Vistaprint Florist Obdam’s Flowers, Parry Sound Rentals Muskoka Party Rentals, Bracebridge Call of the Wild, Utterson Photographer Amy Vincent Photography Table/Guest Favours Muskoka Candle Company Total Cost of Wedding $12,000-$13,000

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Real Weddings

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ashley jon N o v e mbe r 2 1 , 2 0 1 6

The Persistence of Love

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Krystal Robson Photography

L

ike every engaged couple, Ashley McMann and Jon Groom eagerly set a date for their wedding after announcing their betrothal. In January 2016, they planned to travel to Mexico with their guests for a wonderful destination wedding on the beach at a gorgeous resort. For Ashley, their engagement marked her turn to be the bride in a Wedding Trends real weddings story, after appearing as the hairstylist and makeup artist for a number of featured brides.

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However, their wedding plans sadly were cancelled a few weeks prior to departure.

Ashley was hospitalized on December 21. After a month of treatment, the bride-to-be was released and a long recovery period followed.

Nevertheless, the couple rescheduled their wedding for November 21, 2016 at the same Mexican resort, the Azul Fives in the Mayan Riviera. This time, they made the trip and exchanged their vows beside the sea.

“It was a really awful time for us when the first date had to be cancelled,” says Ashley, who is now expecting their first child. “When our wedding day finally arrived, it was a very emotional day for us, our friends and our family who came on the rescheduled trip.”

Since it was necessary to have a legal wedding ceremony in Ontario, the couple had two celebrations. Officiant Hallie Blair

The couple’s adorable bulldog, appropriately attired in a bowtie, acted as their ring bearer.

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conducted the intimate ceremony on the front porch of their home in Barrie on Thanksgiving weekend. Grandmothers Rose and Gloria, who could not make the trip south, were witnesses for the bride and groom. The couple’s adorable bulldog, appropriately attired in a bowtie, acted as their ring bearer. The joyous newlyweds hosted a traditional thanksgiving dinner.

Krystal Robson, a photographer and close friend of the bride, beautifully captured the loving event and later photographed Ashley and Jon’s beachfront Mexican wedding.

“Krystal is an amazing photographer,” said Ashley, who grew up with Krystal. “Our wedding photographs were extraordinary.”

Ashley and Jon travelled to Mexico for their wedding along with 33 family members and friends, some of whom travelled from western Canada. Though it was the couple’s first visit to the Azul Fives Resort, Mexico was a familiar vacation spot.

“We always knew we wanted a destination wedding and that it would be Mexico,” said Ashley. “The resort was stunning. Carolyn Kremer from Vision Travel Solutions was our travel agent. She was spectacular at booking, cancelling and then rebooking. We still go to her to plan our trips.”

For the warm weather ceremony, the bride wore a simple backless lace dress from Helen’s Bridal in Barrie. When at last Ashley walked down the aisle to marry her love, the song Marry Me by Train accompanied her. Because it took so long to happen, the couple’s wedding ceremony stirred the emotions of everyone present.

“When we were saying our vows, the minister was in tears,” Ashley recalled. “She said she had done wedding for 10 years and had never cried before. When my husband had to say ‘in sickness and health,’ he began to cry. I think the minister then figured out that I had been ill.”

The joyful ceremony was followed by a relaxed candlelit reception on the beach. Tables draped with white linens had centrepieces of silver lanterns, white flowers and seashells.

“The tables, chairs, dance floor and DJ were all on the sand,” Ashley says. “Happily, the weather was beautiful.”

After a seaside dinner featuring fresh lobster and filet mignon, the newlyweds had their first dance to the song This Year’s Love, by David Gray. The song held meaning for them after a challenging year. The groom danced with his mother to My Way by Frank Sinatra while the bride and her Dad danced to Landslide by Fleetwood Mac. Both parent dances were very sentimental for the newlywed couple.

This year, the couple had to cancel a combined honeymoon and first anniversary trip to the resort where they were married, but this time it was for a very happy reason. Ashley and Jon will soon become parents. ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Engagement Ring: Kays Jewellers, Aruba Bride’s wedding band: Metzger Studio, Barrie Groom’s wedding band: Jeff Walters Jewellers, Barrie Dress Shop Helen’s Bridal, Barrie Bride’s Headpiece Etsy - LottieDadesigns Tux Shop/Men’s Shop John McNabb Clothier, Barrie Shoes: Hudson’s Bay Honeymoon/Travel Agent Carolyn Kremer – Vision Travel Solutions Caterer Azul Fives Resort, Mexico Church/Hall Officiant in Barrie: Hallie Blair Music/DJ DJ Mix Hair Stylist/Makeup Hair & makeup – Bride & hair stylist/ makeup artist Ashley McMann Invitations Alison – The Invitation Place Empire Invites Florist Azul Fives Resort, Mexico Photographer Krystal Robson Photography Table/Guest Favours Turquoise ‘Bubba Mug’ Matching sunglasses with “The Grooms” and “Mexico 2016” on them Wedding Party Gifts Watch to Krystal Robson Kate Spade bangle to girlfriends who helped with shower & bachelorette Personalized belt for Paul Elvins Total Cost of Wedding $25,000

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amanda joel Ma r c h 1 5 , 2 0 1 7

Double Celebration of Love

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Kieko, The Royalton Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Apryl Munro Photography, Barrie

F

or their intimate wedding in the Caribbean, Amanda Gibson and Joel Davis chose March, specifically March 15, 2017, to take advantage of the beautiful tropical weather and downtime for the groom’s Barrie roofing business. The couple also wanted to say their vows as close to Amanda’s grandfather’s birthday as possible without actually marrying on the date — April’s Fool’s Day.

76 Wedding Trends 2018

However, the secluded beach wedding was not to be the couple’s only celebration of their love. With friends and family in Barrie eager attend but unable to make the trip, Amanda and Joel donned their finery and assembled a wedding party for a second wedding with 127 guests at the Barrie Country Club on September 9, 2017.

Luckily, the bride’s lace mermaid gown by designer Allure Bridals survived a “Trash the Dress” photo session in the Dominican Republic’s surf.

The travel-loving couple were brought together by a passion for fitness in 2014. At 7 a.m. every Saturday, they were the only ones working out at Snap Fitness in Barrie.

Joel arrived by motorcycle. Soon, Amanda started thinking she should strike up a conversation with the good-looking guy with the Harley. She did, and the rest is history.

The Royalton Punta Cana resort in Dominican Republic, the place where the couple went on their first trip together, already held fond memories. Why not add a lovely wedding to recall as well? The groom dressed for the sultry weather in Dominican linen cotton pants and vest over a white shirt. At the serene beachfront ceremony, the bride arrived to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” After exchanging vows, the couple left as husband and wife to “Angel Eyes” by Jeff Healey. Amanda cherishes the memory of walking down the aisle and seeing tears in Joel’s eyes.

At sunset, the couple was served a beautiful dinner beside the surf featuring the bride’s favourite, Caesar salad, with lobster bisque soup, steak and lobster, and crème brulé for a sweet finish. The romantic meal’s soundtrack was the sound of waves and the rustle of palm trees. A few days later, the couple and Royalton photographer Kieko hit the beach to “Trash the Dress.”

“I loved trashing my dress — it was so much fun,” Amanda recalls. “The photographer actually had me roll on the beach. We went into the ocean, but that was scary because the undertow pulled at my dress. Then we went in the fountain and ended up in the pool. It was pretty cool.”

Joel proposed to his love on another beach, in Varadero, Cuba, on November 2, 2015, the day after her birthday. Amanda’s grandfather had recently passed away, so her birthday celebration the day before

“I loved trashing my dress ...it was so much fun” had been a quiet one. Joel suggested they go to the beach and look at the stars, but Amanda felt it was too cold and windy.

However, Joel convinced his love to stroll towards the surf and surprised her with a proposal. After she accepted, they were walking back to their room when something special happened.

“We stopped a second to look up at the sky and saw a shooting star,” Amanda says. “It was so crazy because I knew that it was my grandpa saying ‘It’s okay.’ It was so nice. We had gone to Jamaica, and I thought Joel would propose there. I was totally thrown off because I didn’t think he would propose near my birthday.”

For their second wedding, held at the Barrie Country Club, the bride and groom were joined by five bridesmaids in navy blue Henkaa gowns and seven groomsmen in blue suits that complemented the navy blue, white and silver décor accents and gorgeous florals from Bradford Greenhouses. Guests were treated to a delicious dinner and some impromptu entertainment from the groomsmen.

“They sang and rapped the funniest song to Joel,” Amanda says. “They are spur-ofthe-moment guys and they probably put it together the night before, but it was great and a total surprise.”

In lieu of table favours, the couple made a donation to the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Sick Kids was left a bequest by Amanda’s grandfather and the newlyweds wanted to do something as well.

Amanda and Joel recently returned from a honeymoon in Ireland. The bride surprised her new husband with tickets to Dublin on their wedding day, on the beach, fulfilling his lifelong wish to visit the Emerald Isle. ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Bride: Peoples Jewellers – Love by Vera Wang Groom: Designed his own ring, created by Dia’Amore Jewellers, Barrie Dress Shop Amanda Lina Sposa Boutique, Woodbridge Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Moores Clothing Honeymoon/Travel Agent Red Tag Vacations: Jasmine Radway Caterer The Royalton Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Barrie Country Club Church/Hall Barrie Country Club Music/DJ Provided by The Royalton, Punta Cana Josh of Northern Lights DJ, Barrie Hair Stylist/Makeup Hair & Makeup in Dominican Republic: Bride did own styling and makeup Hair & Makeup in Barrie: Heidi Avendano Florist The Royalton Punta Cana Bradford Greenhouses, Barrie Photographer Kieko, The Royalton Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Apryl Munro Photography, Barrie Table/Guest Favours In lieu, bride & groom made donation to The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto Total Cost of Wedding $10,000 (Dominican Republic) $25,000 (Barrie)

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dawn chris J a n ua ry 2 8 , 2 0 1 7

Winter Wonderland Wedding

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Kate Gass & Andrew Essig, Visual Roots Photography

O

n the morning of Dawn Jones and Chris Machan’s wedding day, the temperature was just below zero and a storm the day before had covered everything with a thick layer of snow. In other words, it was absolutely perfect.

“Knowing most couples choose to marry between April and October, we wanted to do something different and for an entire weekend,” says Dawn, who exchanged “I dos” with Chris in Muskoka on January 28, 2017. “We decided to have an off-season date and wanted snow in our photos.

Everyone needs something to look forward to in the winter, so we thought what better time to have our wedding but a month after Christmas.”

Despite the snowfall, all 80 guests, including Chris’ relatives from the London area, arrived at the rustic and romantic Sherwood Inn in Port Carling for the weekend. On Friday evening, the couple’s welcome reception had good company, tasty cocktails and great finger food, including a bar with s’mores fixings that could be assembled inside over burners or outside at the fire pit. Dawn and Chris rented the entire inn, letting guests have a mini winter getaway while celebrating the couple’s special day.

“With 80 guests, it was intimate enough for everyone to get to know each other,” says Dawn, who met her future husband online in July 2014 and quickly made their relationship official that September.

“Many people commented that they made new friends during the weekend events.”

One way guests became acquainted was during a Saturday morning hockey game arranged by the groom. With no ice on the lake, the Inn’s tennis courts acted as a ball hockey arena. Other guests went hiking, but everyone gathered for a chilli lunch before getting ready for the wedding ceremony.

Though originally planned to be outdoors, the ceremony was cosily held indoors beside the living room’s stone fireplace. The bride’s childhood friend Kristin House warmed the gathering with her singing and guitar playing. She sang First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes as the wedding party members walked in. Kristin sang Thinking Out Loud as Dawn walked down the aisle in a simple strapless, fitted Sophia Tolli wedding gown with beading that sparkled like the winter landscape.

After Dawn and Chris exchanged their vows and became husband and wife, guests enjoyed warm cookies and hot apple cider.

During the cocktail hour, Kristin entertained along with her musician partner, Jason Rosewell, on keyboard.

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After cocktails, the newlyweds took their turn at entertaining the crowd with a special fiveminute choreographed dance that took everyone by surprise. It was a highlight of the day.

“We took dance lessons at Lakeside Dance Studios in Barrie,” Dawn says. “We didn’t take them with the intention of learning a dance for the wedding, but we ended up doing it.

We performed it the week before in front of a group, so we had already got our jitters out.”

Then, guests headed for the dining room for an amazing dinner of balsamic tomato soup with goat cheese and either stuffed chicken breast with mushroom risotto or roasted beef strip loin with peppercorn and brandy sauce.

Apple and pear strudel made for a sweet finish.

More sweetness came from a chocolate Smash Cake from Chelsea Chocolates in Horseshoe Valley. The bride and groom smashed the hollow cake with a chocolate hammer, releasing over 100 truffles.

The Griffin Pub Band from Bracebridge got the party going with music to bring guests to the dance floor.

“They were spectacular!” said Dawn. “They played four hours straight. We had people stay out way later than they would normally because the music was just so amazing. We now tell people getting married to hire a live band. Curt and Jed were not only entertaining, but also engaged with all the guests. That made such a difference.”

“We decided to have an off-season date and we wanted

snow in our photos.

After hosting a breakfast on Sunday with their guests, the couple got ready for a sunny honeymoon in Hawaii. When the newlyweds returned home to Tiny, they found thank you cards and emails from their guests for the winter wonderland weekend. Dawn’s family hopes to return to Sherwood Inn as a family tradition.

“We both recommend having a winter wedding 100 per cent,” Dawn says. “It gives people a chance to see family and friends again after Christmas. I always had a dream of having my family together for a full weekend at a resort, so we accomplished two dreams at the same time.” ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Jeff Walters Jewellers, Barrie Dress Shop Best for Bride, Barrie Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Collins Formal Wear Caterer Chef Everett - Sherwood Inn Smash Cake – Chelsea Chocolates, Horseshoe valley Church/Hall Sherwood Inn, Port Carling Music/DJ Ceremony: Kristen House, guitar & vocals Cocktail hour: Kristen House & Jason Rosewell – guitar, keyboard & vocals Reception: The Griffin Pub Band – Curt & Jed Dance Lessons Lakeside Dance Studios, Barrie Hair Stylist/Makeup Finishing Touches Invitations Minted.com Florist Nicole Best – Seasons in the Country, Bracebridge Photographer Kate Gass & Andrew Essig – Visual Roots Photography Table/Guest Favours Provided chilli lunch for guests on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday and cookie/ hot cider station after ceremony.

Wedding Party Gifts Muskoka Campus Crew sweatshirts with bride and groom’s initials and wedding date embroidered on sleeves.

Total Cost of Wedding Weekend $40,000

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laurie jim A ug ust 1 2 , 2 0 1 7

Two Countries, One Wonderful Wedding

By Patti Vipond • Photos byNica Zajac, Soul Tree Photography

“W

e plan on moving to Huntsville, so we wanted to make our wedding memories there,” Jim says.

“It was so nice to be able to share the beauty of Muskoka with our American friends and family,” Laurie says. “It was really fun.”

The summer wedding date of August 12, 2017 was chosen to make the drive to Ontario easier for Jim’s family and the couple’s friends.

But the business of planning an international wedding was sometimes a challenge. Laurie often used online services like Etsy to buy wedding items. Jim’s wedding ring was from the Etsy shop Raven’s Refuge. The bridesmaids’ navy lace chiffon gowns were found at JJshouse.com. Because of the distance involved, some plans fell apart at the last moment, requiring a “necessity is the mother of invention” approach by the bride and groom.

Solutions were found, and all turned out well.

The international wedding began with a proposal at the couple’s home in the Boston, Massachusetts, area. Jim is a musician with a singing voice that Laurie loves to hear. One morning, Laurie was in the bedroom when she heard her love playing guitar and singing “Marry Me” by Train as he came up the stairs. Jim entered the room, kept singing and dropped to one knee.

“I thought, ‘Is he asking me to marry him?’”

Laurie says. “I do this thing where I keep my hand inside my sleeve and say ‘Look in here’ to Jim. Then I pretend to either punch him or bring him in for a kiss. So after he put down his guitar, he pulled his hand in his sleeve and said ‘Look in here.’ I pulled out a box with the ring in it. It was totally unexpected and very beautiful. I decided to walk down the aisle to the song he sang that day.”

Laurie held to that decision. She watched her wedding party walk down the aisle to “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri before making her own journey to join her love in front of a rustic Muskoka stone fireplace.

The bride wore a stunning gown by Essense of Australia. It was the first one she tried on and the one she came back to. Tux rentals for the wedding party’s men came through shops in Canada and the U.S., but they all looked handsome in two-button navy blue, super 120s satin-framed notch tuxes by Joseph Abboud.

After the ceremony, guests dined on delicious entrées of stuffed chicken breast with maple cranberry gastrique, prime rib with Yorskhire pudding or penne gorgonzola. At every table setting, paper origami hearts with love quotes inside increased the warmth of the celebration and gave guests some good advice for matters of the heart.

“Grandview Golf Cub did a phenomenal job,” Laurie says. “Everyone loved the food. We brought them a recipe from Carmelina’s, our favourite restaurant in north end Boston, and they made it beautifully.”

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As the festive dinner ended, the bride and groom rose for their first dance to the song “At Last” by Etta James. Laurie danced with her father to “Tennessee Waltz,” while Jim and his mom danced to “The Song for Mama”

by Boyz II Men. Soon afterwards, groom picked up his guitar and sang “Laura Lee,” a song he wrote especially for his bride.

“I sort of knew he had written a song for me because at home I kept hearing him sing my name very quietly,” Laurie says with a smile. “Jim has written a lot of songs for a lot of people. At the cottage, my mom asked if he was going to sing a song for me at the wedding. I told her I had a feeling he would.

It was wonderful.” ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Etsy – Raven’s Refuge Dress Shop Bride: Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique, Fall River, Massachusetts U.S.A. Bridesmaids: JJshouse.com Bridal Consultant Anthony Palmieri, Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Canada: Moores U.S.A.: Men’s Warehouse Caterer Grandview Golf Club, Huntsville

“I sort of knew he had written a song for me...”

Church/Hall Grandview Golf Club, Huntsville Music/DJ Steve’s DJ Service Hair Stylist/Makeup Hair: Maggie Best, Huntsville Bride’s Makeup: Sarah Cestnick, bride’s niece Invitations Minted.com Florist Natasha Appleyard - Cottage Country Flowers, Huntsville Photographer Nica Zajac – Soul Tree Photography Videographer Anita Boyes – Riverbend Film and Photo, Muskoka Table/Guest Favours Etsy - Paper Origami Love Quotes from Bubble and Mimi Paper Wedding Party Gifts Bridesmaids: Victoria’s Secret pajama tops customized by bride’s mother Groomsmen: Etsy - Customized metal compasses from Modern Timez, leather passport holders from GiftsandTravel Total Cost of Wedding $35,000

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lindsey justin J uly 2 9 , 2 0 1 7

Rustic & Romantic Wedding in Muskoka

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Zoey Heath, Arts & Craft Weddings

F

or parents with one precious child, their offspring’s future wedding day is something dreamed of long before the first boyfriend or girlfriend appears. So, when daughter and only child, Lindsey Panizza, told her mom, Lynne Panizza, that she was engaged to university sweetheart Justin Dubé, her mother’s dream came true.

“The wedding became a motherdaughter project,” said Lindsey, who married Justin on July 29, 2017, amid the rustic beauty of Muskoka. “We are so close, like best friends. Being able to plan this wedding together was wonderful.”

Lindsey grew up in Aurora and Justin hails from Ancaster, but the pair crossed paths at the University of Western Ontario in London. Their first date was very Canadian — meeting for a coffee at Tim Hortons. When the time came to plan their wedding, the two secondary school teachers decided on a late July date to allow ample time to finalize wedding details and enjoy their honeymoon.

Muskoka holds a special place in the couple’s hearts, so it was naturally where they wanted to celebrate their wedding.

Lindsey’s parents moved to Bracebridge in 2009. Justin spent summers at his family’s cottage in Huntsville, and Lindsey grew up going to her grandparents’ cottage on Acton Island in Bala. They wanted a reception venue with beautiful views, a rustic atmosphere and accommodation for their guests.

Hidden Valley Resort, located close to Justin’s family cottage, proved the perfect place.

“Their customer service was exceptional and their Muskoka Room had a perfect view of the lake,” Lindsey says.

With mosquitoes and summer heat a consideration, the couple needed an indoor venue for their ceremony. They fell in love with the Grandview Golf Club in Huntsville for its authentic Muskoka atmosphere. Since the two locations are a short drive from each other, the wedding plans were settled.

At the Grandview ceremony site, a gathering of 90 close friends and family watched as flower girl Paisley Ferguson, daughter of the groom’s sister Michelle, and ring bearer Asher MooreBogers, son of Lindsey’s cousin, started the procession. Maid of honour, Amy Eastwood, and bridesmaids Kimberly Innes and Grazia Mosca, who travelled from Italy with her mom, walked down the aisle with groomsmen Max Bourgoin and Yannick Harster, and best man,

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Tables were put together harvest style in long rows Trevor Thachuk, to a piano cover of “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. Then Lindsey, wearing a stunning sequined lace and soft tulle gown (by Essense of Australia) that shimmered as she walked, was escorted down the aisle by her dad, Bob Panizza, to join her love to say their vows.

At Hidden Valley Resort, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvre platters served on the deck. Reception decorations, created mainly by the bride and her mom, gave the dinner a family feel. Tables were put together harvest style in long rows. Softly lit lanterns rested on wood rounds and among vintage books found at the ReStore. Small vases filled with flowers and greenery ran down the tables’ centres and sap buckets filled with hydrangea enhanced the romantic ambiance.

“Because it was an intimate gathering, we 84 Wedding Trends 2018

felt able to spend time with all of our family and friends and really enjoy the day with everyone,” said Lindsey. “I wanted a birch and Muskoka theme, but with soft, romantic summer vintage colours like blush pink and soft coral.”

A sumptuous plated dinner of roast beef or stuffed chicken with roasted potatoes and vegetables, ended with crème brûlée or truffle chocolate cake. During dinner, Justin’s 93-year-old pépère, his grandfather, sang a song for the newlyweds, and his dad performed a song he wrote for Justin when he was a child. Post-dinner speeches, aptly emceed by Justin’s sister, Michelle Dubé of CTV News, included a video of the bride and groom’s love story created as a surprise

by Michelle. Afterwards, the groom and two friends took to the floor to amaze the guests by glow stringing to music.

Guests with a sweet tooth headed for the milk and cookie station filled with more than 400 cookies made by the bride’s Aunt Sue and her mom’s friend Donna. The ginger molasses, chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and snicker doodles were also the guests’ take home treats.

Everyone danced the night away to DJ KJ Chris Jones’ mix of ’90s pop and current hits that kept people on their feet. A late night food station of pizza and poutine was a nod to Lindsey’s Italian and Justin’s French heritage.

After their honeymoon in Aruba, the couple recalled their fondest wedding day memory.

“All day, we could feel people having an amazing time, loving it and loving us,” Lindsey says. “People told us how incredible everything was over and over. It literally was the best day of our lives.” ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Andrew Tatarsky - Gem Scan Laboratories, Toronto Dress Shop Crème Couture, Old Quebec Street Mall, Guelph Wedding gown designer: Essence of Australia Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Moores, Ancaster Honeymoon/Travel Agent Alice Marrie - Marlin Travel Church/Hall Ceremony: Grandview Golf Club, Huntsville Reception: Hidden Valley Resort, Huntsville Music/DJ KJ Chris Jones Hair Stylist/Makeup Hair: Christine Conte Hair, Mother of the Bride: Jeanette Lees Makeup: Katie Spencer Invitations Minted Florist Nicole Best - Seasons in the Country, Bracebridge Rentals Chair covers, Edison lights: Pure Elegance Photographer Zoey Heath, Arts & Craft Weddings Videographer Matthew Mousseau, Arts & Craft Weddings Table/Guest Favours “A Sweet Thank You”: treat bags of cookies made by bride’s Aunt Sue and her Mom’s friend Donna Wedding Party Gifts Bridesmaids: Kate Spade bracelets and personalized gifts Groomsmen: pocket watches from Wedsy.ca

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rebecca steven

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Real Weddings

June 11, 2016

Muskoka Romance

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Abby White Photography

R

ebecca Brown and Steven Burgess’ love story started in Muskoka, but it took a little time. One summer Rebecca, who grew up cottaging in on Lake Joseph, was working at the J.W. Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa in Minett. Working next door at Clevelands House Resort was Steven Burgess, who was also a Lake Joe cottager. The summer passed. Rebecca and Steven never crossed paths. They had also managed to miss each other while attending McMaster University in Hamilton.

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In 2011, Rebecca was the bartender/manager at The Rock Golf Club in Minett, while Steven was a cook at the Club. When at last the couple met and chatted, they clicked. Mutual admiration led to a first date that included a drive to a lovely lookout with a view of the lake across from Clevelands House.

“Because that spot is sentimental for us, Steven took me there to propose,” says Rebecca, who lives with her husband near Hamilton.

“It was really sweet and I was totally surprised.

I always knew that I wanted to get married in Muskoka. We both love it so much. In fact, my parents bought a place on Lake Muskoka a few years ago.”

Just as their love for Muskoka determined the wedding’s location, the bride’s connection to Lake Joseph Community Church near Port Sandfield made it the perfect place for their wedding ceremony.

“My late grandfather was the chairman of the board at the church, and I grew up going there every Sunday during the summers,” Rebecca says. “The church holds a lot of sentimental value and nostalgia for me. There is huge flagstone patio outside the church, so we decided that if it was a nice day, we would have the ceremony on the patio. It turned out to be a gorgeous day! A breeze was blowing and it was so beautiful.”

The romantic couple chose June 11, 2016,

as their wedding date as it was the closest Saturday to the anniversary of their first kiss.

This life-changing event happened five years earlier. For their reception, they planned to start with a cruise on the Wenonah II, a popular replica steamship, and then move the party to The Rock Golf Club, a fond nod to the place that brought them together.

On the day of the wedding the bride, her maid of honour, Sarah Brown, and her bridesmaids spent a relaxing morning at the J. W. Marriott, sipping mimosas and enjoying a room with a beautiful view of the water courtesy of the groom’s parents.

The bridesmaids emerged looking beautiful in blush pink strapless gowns. Rebecca glowed in a fitted lace Stella York wedding dress with a trumpet silhouette, long train and a cathedral veil that floated picturesquely in the wind during the outdoor ceremony.

Steven’s best man, Kyle Sanderson, and the groomsmen looked sharp in light-grey suits, while the groom was a stand out in a stylish charcoal-grey suit.

As the ceremony began, Chris and Amy White, Rebecca’s uncle and aunt, played the traditional “Canon in D,” by Pachelbel as the bridesmaids happily processed down the aisle.

“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” by J.S. Bach, was played as the bride walked forward to meet her love. The same song was played when her

mother walked down the aisle.

“It was very emotional getting married at the church,” Rebecca says. “I thought of my grandpa the whole time.”

After the couple said their vows, guests headed to the church dock to board the Wenonah II for a cruise on Lake Rosseau.

However, there was a slight unscheduled pause when strong winds prevented the boat from docking. When it was suggested that the floating cocktail hour might not happen, Rebecca’s brother and father contacted the captain and made a new plan. Guests made a short drive to Port Sandfield where boarding was not a problem.

“The bridge had to be raised to get all our guests aboard, but it worked out,” Rebecca says.

“Because we left an hour later than planned, we were sailing during the sunset on Lake Rosseau. That was definitely my favourite part of our reception, standing out on the front of the boat with Steven and watching the sunset.

My cousin was our photographer and she captured truly awesome photos of us and our guests as well.”

In keeping with the wedding’s casual ambiance, guests were served a variety of delicious hors d’oeuvres, including stuffed mushroom caps, arancini balls and chicken skewers, to the sound of big band and jazz music. When they arrived at The Rock, a relaxed repast of pizza, quesadillas, s’mores and, of course, wedding cake awaited them.

Then, an evening of dancing to a mix of music that included plenty of ’60s and ’70s classic rock selections.

The newlyweds continued their personal celebrations during a relaxing honeymoon in Naples, Florida. They recently welcomed their first child, a daughter, Charlotte.

“She’s the first grandbaby on my side, so it’s very exciting for the whole family,” Rebecca says. “Our daughter will be part of the third generation of our family to go to the cottage in Muskoka.” ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Mami Chow, Toronto

Music/DJ KJ Chris, Huntsville

Photographer Abby White Photography

Dress Shop Heirlooms Bridal, Dundas

Hair Stylist/Makeup Hair: Steph Smith - Keora Aveda Salon and Kailee Keerma - Something Blush Makeup: Shauna Daniels - Pretty Me Makeup

Table/Guest Favours Handmade rosemary planters

Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Colin’s Menswear, Hamilton Caterer The Creative Plate Eatery – Connie Smith The Rock Golf Club – Darren Schmidt

Invitations Custom made by bride’s cousin

Church/Hall Lake Joseph Community Church

Florist Lana - Blooming Muskoka, Gravenhurst

88 Wedding Trends 2018

Wedding Party Gifts Bridesmaids: robe from Plum Pretty Sugar Groomsmen: engraved Swiss army knife Total Cost of Wedding $40,000

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kelcie james S e pte mbe r 3 , 2 0 1 6

Muskoka Wedding at Evergreen Point

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Carla Jackson Photography

F

or Kelcie Clarke and James Taylor, Muskoka was the setting for the beginning, growth and celebration of their love story. The couple met just over five years ago at James’s family cottage in Brackenrig Bay on Lake Rosseau, when Kelcie’s family purchased and were renovating a cottage just five doors down. Bob and Marnie Clarke, Kelcie’s parents, were at the Taylor’s Canada Day party when Marnie texted her daughter at their cottage.

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“All it said was ‘Get over here, there’s a really cute boy here,’” Kelcie says. “I was tired after work and sent a note saying I couldn’t make it.

She insisted. Ten minutes later, I was dressed and out the door with my sister, Darby. When we got to the party, I made my way over to the appetizer table and had my first introduction into the Taylor family while meeting James’s Grandma Adrianne. After I had talked with her for a while, James came over and we immediately connected. He asked me out for dinner a couple of days later and from then on we were inseparable.”

“The cottage has always been a very special part of our lives,” says James, who married his love at Evergreen Point on September 3, 2016. “We both grew up spending summers at the cottage, and are still up there almost every weekend.”

The ocean was the backdrop for James’ pre-Valentine’s Day proposal to Kelcie in Cuba in 2015. The fiancé-to-be had arranged for a romantic lobster and champagne dinner to be served in a charming beachfront gazebo.

“Right after dessert was served, James got down on one knee and proposed to me,” Kelcie says. “I was very surprised. He had looked at my Pinterest board to see what rings I liked and then designed my ring himself. I absolutely loved it when I saw it.”

Naturally, the couple wanted to marry in Muskoka as it held such special place in their hearts. Evergreen Point gave them the freedom to customize a unique wedding for themselves and their guests. “We also liked that we were the first ones and probably the only ones to get married at the cottage,” Kelcie says. “My parents, sister and I are very tight-knit and spent every summer in Muskoka together.

Having our wedding there meant a lot to them.”

The lakeside ceremony took place in a spacious tent on the roof of the cottage’s boathouse. The reception for the couple’s 120 guests was in a second tent beside the cottage. During dinner, the ceremony tent was transformed into a dance floor for the evening.

With the weekend’s beautiful weather, guests seamlessly flowed between the tents and strolled down to the property’s beautiful lakefront.

Fair weather let the tent be open during the couple’s touching ceremony to give everyone a clear view of the lake. Accompanied by her father, Bob, the bride followed her maid of honour’s sister, Darby Clarke, and best friend, Christie Reid, and bridesmaids Brittany Taylor, Natalie Dawson, Philippa Krahn and Julia Di Lena. Kelcie, wearing a romantic gown by Tara Keely, met and married her 90 Wedding Trends 2018

best friend, as did the groom. Standing with the groom were best man Mitch McCrae and groomsmen Alex Hawn, Harrison Brook, John Miles, Matt Fleck and John Makrakis. Rusty Taylor was the party’s adorable ring bearer.

The rustic but whimsical wedding decor was primarily planned and selected by the bride’s mother, Marnie. James gave credit to his bride’s parents for playing a huge role in the couple’s perfect wedding day.

“Marnie basically took it upon herself to plan and decorate everything, looking for ideas every day for six months,” James says. “She was our wedding planner and Kelcie’s dad was there every step of the way, ensuring the property was ready. They did a lot to make sure this was the most special day in the world for us.”

For the ceremony, burlap bows on chair backs and a burlap aisle runner gave natural touches. The tent’s ceiling was illuminated with market lights and decorated with hanging greenery balls. In the reception tent, floral chandeliers softly lit tables with birch charger plates at every setting. Vintage details such as Edison bulb lighting, Mason jars, tulle and beautiful displays of floral contributed to the classic ambiance.

For Kelcie and James, Crossroads Restaurant in Rosseau was the first choice for their reception caterer as it was the venue for their first-year anniversary, four years ago. The restaurant’s catering staff prepared exquisite plated meals, giving guests the option of chicken, short ribs or cedar plank salmon.

“Julie and her team didn’t just act as a caterer, but as a wedding planner/co-ordinator as well,” James. says “She and her team were absolutely amazing.”

Julie also baked the newlywed’s rustic but refined wedding cake. The cake appeared to have a birch bark exterior, thanks to the chef’s sparing use of buttercream icing that let parts of the vanilla cake show through.

After heartfelt speeches, guests were enticed by the DJ to get on the dance floor with tunes for every generation. The festive night of dancing was capped by a special surprise from the bride’s father.

“The most amazing part of our wedding day was fireworks from my dad,” Kelcie says.

“After the dance, everyone walked down to the dock. All of a sudden, fireworks started going off in the middle of the lake. Dad had hired a pyrotechnic company that brought a barge into our bay. It was so beautiful! I love fireworks and it was a surreal way to end our day. It’s something we’ll never forget.” ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Corona Jewellery Company Dress shop Pearl Bridal House - gown by Tara Keely Tux shop/Men’s shop Indochino – custom suits Honeymoon/travel agent Sandals LaSource Grenada Caterer Crossroads Restaurant, Rosseau Fireworks Pyroworld – Dean Fritz Church/hall Evergreen Point – family cottage on Lake Rosseau Music/DJ DJ Dave Hair stylist/Makeup Hair: Tiffany Grigg & Lissa Woods Makeup: Maryellen Nault Invitations Woodchick – made from wood Florist Seasons in the Country Mossy Rox Gardens Rentals Happenings Party Rental Photographer Carla Jackson Photography – Carla Jackson Table/guest favours Mini wine bottles: Cannonball – Cabernet Sauvignon Heart-shaped cookies with blush frosting by Crossroads Restaurant Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: initialled robes, personalized candles, TKEES in rose gold, rose gold tear drop earrings by Suetables, personalized Hudson’s Bay canvas bags Groomsmen: personalized Fossil watches, Hudson’s Bay striped socks, striped champagne linen ties from The Tie Barn

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kayla garrett

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“He was down on one knee in his dirty work clothes,” Kayla says. “But it was nice because it was just the two of us there when he asked me to marry him.”

“I probably planned the proposal for a few months,” says Garrett, who lives with his wife in Bradford. “I had planned to do it that weekend at the waterfront in Barrie where we used to walk. But it was cold, and she doesn’t like the cold very much. I had picked up the ring that day and was excited about proposing. So, I did it right away.”

Kayla’s love knew well the type of engagement ring she preferred. He often received text messages with photos of rings. The ring is a brilliant-cut solitaire diamond with diamonds on the side, set on a dainty white gold band.

The couple’s romance began at a Wendy’s restaurant where Kayla had been manager for years. Garrett was a customer who came in every Friday night with his car club. One evening, after several years of saying, ‘Hi, how are you,’ Garrett was there at closing time. While Kayla’s car was warming up, they sat and talked. The conversation lasted for hours. The next thing they knew, they had exchanged phone numbers and were seeing each other more and more often. With no official date noted for their first date, they chose Canada Day — July 1, 2013.

Their wedding date, June 24, 2017, was chosen to hold the festivities during the moderate warmth of early summer.

The couple decided to hold their wedding ceremony at St. John’s United Church in Alliston, and hold the reception at the town’s historical Gibson Centre, which was built in 1889 as a farm implement factory.

“My maid of honour took me to the Gibson Centre because she knew it was right up my alley,” Kayla says. “As soon as I walked in, I knew it was the place I needed to have our wedding. I looked at some golf courses, but nothing compared to the warm, cozy, rustic and intimate feeling at the Gibson Centre. We picked St. John’s United Church for two reasons. I loved the traditional feel of the church with its stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings, and Garrett wanted to leave the wedding in his family’s 1940 Ford vehicle, so it was easier to pick a church that was close by.”

Real Weddings

June 24, 2017

Rocking a Traditional Wedding

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Phil Steingard, Steingard Studios

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arrett Houston had planned to make his proposal to Kayla Di Matteo a romantic one, but he couldn’t wait. One Wednesday, he came home from work while his future wife was making dinner. He called to her to come into the bedroom to show her something, but she was busy cooking and told him to bring it to her. In the end, his persistence paid off, and she entered the bedroom.

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Kayla wore a stunning dropped waist ball gown with a sweetheart neckline, floral pattern beaded bodice and full tulle skirt.

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The couple’s wedding theme of “simple and rustic” let the Gibson Centre speak for itself. With their palette of neutrals and purple, the couple’s only decorating addition was centrepieces of tall vases holding natural sticks and faux purple flowers, with burlap and strings of pearls accenting the bottom of the vases.

As the wedding ceremony began, the bride’s six bridesmaids, dressed in soft lavender gowns and carrying white and purple bouquets, followed the flowers girls and ring bearers to the front of the church, where the groom waited expectantly. Kayla, wearing a stunning dropped waist ball gown with a sweetheart neckline, floral pattern beaded bodice and full tulle skirt, walked down the aisle as the organ played the familiar “Here Comes the Bride.”

“I just love traditional music and wanted that moment when the organ played this song,” said Kayla. “When I came down the aisle, I couldn’t see Garrett because the aisle was to the side. When I turned the corner, there he was looking at me. We didn’t have a first look because I wanted the moment when he saw me to be special. I was so nervous, but as soon as I saw him, my stress was gone. I knew he was happy.”

After the “I dos” were exchanged, the newlyweds and their 117 guests headed to the Gibson Centre for a fabulous cocktail hour with live music by DJ Ken Lindsay from Big Event. Ken’s skill with the guitar and singing set a wonderful tone and mood for the celebration. During the evening’s dance, Ken played a variety of songs by request.

“Ken was amazing,” Kayla says. “During dinner, he engaged our guests by randomly singing and playing musical instruments.

Everyone loved him. Between him and our photographer, Phil Steingard, we had a great time. Phil is such a people person and so energetic. My dad is quiet, but Phil got him out on the dance floor and took some pretty good pictures.”

For dinner, guests enjoyed Caesar salad and pasta salad before savouring chicken in a white wine sauce with roasted root vegetables and potatoes. Catering by Colin also served a warm apple blossom with ice cream and maple syrup for dessert.

When Kayla and Garrett think about their reception, they remember a party with friends and family where everyone had tons of fun. Photographer Phil brought totes of props for people to use including inflatable guitars, hats and masks.

“It seemed every few minutes people were putting on new costumes,” Kayla says. “I’ve never seen a wedding where the dance floor was lively all night. It was so much fun.” ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Peoples Jewellers Dress Shop Ritche Bridal, Toronto Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Moores Caterer Catering by Colin, Barrie Church/Hall Ceremony: St. John’s United Church, Alliston Reception: The Gibson Centre, Alliston Music/DJ Ken Lindsay – Big Event, Wasaga Beach Hair Stylist/Makeup Victoria Borque Beauty Boutique Invitations Vistaprint Florist Mid Valley Gardens, King Rentals Chair covers & head table linens: Elite Party Rentals Photographer Phil Steingard, Steingard Studios Table/Guest Favours Hand-tied bags of chocolate hugs and kisses, and purple gumballs Wedding Party Gifts Bridesmaids: robes, wedding day hair styling and jewellery Groomsmen: wedding day suit rentals Total Cost of Wedding $22,000

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Real Weddings

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julia lucas August 19, 2017

A Magical Day in Caledon

By Patti Vipond • Photos by Kari North, knorthphotography

I

f the setting for a magical wedding day includes rolling green hills, broad fields with split rail fences, flowers nodding softly in the breeze and having everyone who loves you gathered there, then Julia Roylance and Lucas Bolliger definitely had one. The couple married on August 19, 2017, at the groom’s family sprawling Swiss-Canadian Wildberg Farm in the splendid Caledon Hills.

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The decision to have their wedding on his family’s beautifully landscaped country property was a natural one

“Since our wedding was going to be outside on Luke’s family property, having the right weather was the most important consideration,” Julia says. “We thought a summer day in August would give that to us and it did!”

Luke’s family owns and operates Bollinger Landscapes, so making the decision to have their wedding on his family’s beautifully landscaped country property was a natural one.

“As well as wanting to invite our guests to share our day in a beautiful place,” Julia says, “we chose this as our wedding location because it totally embodies both of our families and each other.”

Julia and Luke were both fashion students

at George Brown College in Toronto when they met in 2010. The couple announced their engagement on June 13, 2016.

To surprise his fiancee-to-be with his proposal, Luke found an innovative way to hide her engagement ring.

“Luke hid the ring in a beautiful steak tartare dinner, my absolute favourite meal,” Julia says. “I was so surprised when I found it. The ring was his mother’s first engagement ring. She received a new set of wedding rings a few years ago, so he proposed to me with the one his father originally gave to his mother.”

For their ceremony site, the couple chose a level, grassy spot at the foot of a small treed hill adjacent to Luke’s parent’s home.

A flagstone walkway linked the house to the

ceremony location. The home’s yard easily accommodated the couple’s guests and their 11 wedding party members. Julia’s bridesmaids included her sister, Camille Roylance, and friends Alicia Sebastian, Annie Clark, Rosa Alves and Holly Lorentz. Standing up with Luke were his brothers Max and Clark Bollinger, along with friends Jordan Livingston, Joshua Swan, Roger Boyle and Alex Metcaf.

On the big day, guests made themselves comfortable on seats fashioned from hay bales covered with a rainbow of soft quilts. The informal seating reflected Julia and Luke’s wish for a celebration was in tune with the relaxed, informal atmosphere of the farm, and was comfortable for their guests.

The bride and her attendants sipped pink champagne as they got ready in a sunshinefilled loft, while the groom and his boys prepared in the house. Both the women’s and men’s attire were perfectly suited for a summer wedding.

The bridemaids wore full-length light pink gowns with blue and white flower prints and off-the-should sleeves. Each wore a handmade gold necklace with a single pearl.

The men’s floral print ties and blue-andwhite checked shirts complemented the ladies’ gowns. Jeans kept things casual. However, the groom followed his own sense of style, donning handsome Scottish garb that included a tartan kilt with sporran, kilt jacket and waistcoat worn over a dress shirt.

After the bridal party made their entrance, the bride and her father walked down the aisle to Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You,” played by Erin Bolton. Wearing a simple white lace gown and a white knit shawl, Julia hugged her father before exchanging vows with her love. It became a cherished moment for her.

“My first look at Luke and the entire wedding party when I walked out of the house and down the aisle is my favourite memory of our ceremony,” Julia says.

After the “I dos,” guests headed to the cocktail yard for refreshments, conversation and lawn games. Meanwhile, the wedding party retreated to a secluded porch to celebrate the new husband and wife in their own way — with a group shotgun. Cans of beer were lined up and waiting for them.

At dinnertime, guests moved to the farm’s barn, which was alluminated with party lights and furnished with long picnic tables, benches, ornamental grasses and table greenery. A delicious buffet, prepared by Peter Harvey and his staff, included bbq brisket, corn on the cob, striploin, cornbread and jerk chicken. After dinner, the heartfelt

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speeches and toasts by both the bride and groom’s parents, and other family and friends brought laughter and tears to the newlyweds.

As the sun set, couples strolled the grounds and enjoyed the tranquility before returning to the barn for a night of dancing to rock and roll, hip hop, blues and a bit of everything else. For their romantic first dance, the groom changed into dance-friendly jeans.

The day’s finale was a dazzling fire throwing display in the yard. It provided a dramatic end to the festivities. The bride and groom agreed the day had been everything they hoped it would be.

Says Julia: “It was the most magical day ever.” ❤

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Jewellery/Ring Design Bride’s ring: Bluboho.com Groom’s ring: Peoples Jewellers Dress Shop David’s Bridal Tux Shop/Men’s Shop Glen Williams - kilt rental Caterer Peter Harvey – PG Harvey Events, Toronto Church/Hall Groom’s parent’s home, Caledon Music/DJ Ceremony music: Erin Bolton, Orangeville Hair Stylist/Makeup Nix Hernandez Make up and Hairstyling Florist Karen Bolliger Rentals ASAP Rentals Photographer Kari North, knorth photography Table/Guest Favours Tree saplings Total Cost of Wedding $22,000

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