Wedding Trends 2017

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contents

Real Weddings

10 Caitlin & Aaron 14 Amy & Michael 20 Jennifer & Trevor 24 Jessica & Louis 28 Laura & Aaron 30 Leigh & Dan 33 Laura & Jason 36 Raeanne & Daniel 40 Ashlee & Matt 47 Laura & Erik 50 Lauren & Michael 54 Chantelle &Allan 58 Krystal & Andrew 63 Josie & Ben 66 Kim & Steve 71 Ashleigh & Braden 74 Lindsay & Chris 78 Danielle & Bretton 80 Ashleigh & Jeff 83 Melissa & Joel 87 Raquel & Ryan 90 Sarah & Blake

Real Weddings 10-114

ON THE COVER

TRENDS 2017

Ashleigh Wilson and Braden Hill Kate Gass & Andrew Essig, Visual Roots Photography

SIMC OE COUN T Y | MUSKOKA | PAR RY SOUN D | N ORT H BAY | GR EY BRUC E | 2 016 EDIT ION

4 Wedding trends 2017

94 Lindsay & Kyle 97 Mikayla & Joseph 100 Lesley & Nevine

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INSPIRING

104 Jamie & Robert 107 Rachel & Frank 111 Bryanna & Scott 114 Tara & Ronny

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REAL WEDDINGS SIM C O E C O UN T Y | M USKO KA | PARRY SO UN D | N O RT H BAY | GREY BRUC E | 201 7 ED IT IO N

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contents 118 Queen for a day: It's all about the dress 120 Trends your maids will love

18 9 1

122

121 Find your bridal style 122 Getting the groom involved 124 A perfect toast: Sparkle with knowledge 126 Wine online

120 128

128 Have your cake & eat it too 130 Trending in florals 132 The guide - Q&A expert advise 136 Destination Muskoka 137 Wedding Trends Planner: 9 Pages of planning tools and online tools at www.theweddingtrends.com

P�anner

37

T R E N D S

130

1

USE THESE PAGES

TO HELP PLAN YOUR

WEDDING OR GO ONLINE TO VIEW OUR DIGITAL EDITIONS AT

SIMCOE.COM

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6 Wedding trends 2017

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Tast e ful

Wedding Favours

t r e n d s 2 0 1 7 Publisher Dana Robbins General Manager, Simcoe / york / muskoka Shaun Sauve Editor Elise Allain Graphic Design LuAnne Turner Advertising Inquiries: Alliston | Angela makaroff amakaroff@simcoe.com 705-435-6228 Barrie | Innisfil | kim harrison kharrison@simcoe.com 705-726-0573 x223 Collingwood | PAmela amero pamero@simcoe.com 705-444-1875 Midland | Orillia | KYLA BARRON kbarron@metroland.com 705-329-2058 Muskoka | jack tynan jtynan@metrolandnorthmedia.com 705-789-5541

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Parry Sound | Janice Heidman jheidman@metrolandnorthmedia.com 705-789-5541 Editorial Contributors Patti Vipond Jacqueline Kovacs Kim Goggins Aliya Kanani David White Michael Pinkus

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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Caitlin &Aaron February 7, 2015 & June 25, 2016

A Mother’s Wish

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Mike & Jenny Vinson, VP Studios

10 Wedding trends 2017

After spending summers at her family cottage, Caitlin Porter always wanted to get married in Muskoka. Her fiancé Aaron Hnatiw was totally on board.

A

ccordingly, the couple booked their wedding at Hidden Valley Resort in Huntsville for June 25, 2016 – the tenth anniversary, plus one day, of their first date.

The location would allow Caitlin to arrive by antique boat from from her aunt and uncle’s nearby cottage.

For his festive season proposal, Aaron asked Caitlin’s family to tell her they were having a Christmas party. Once friends and family arrived, Aaron suggested to his sweetheart that they take the dog out for a walk. In a rainy park, he proposed to Caitlin under a lamppost while a friend’s hidden camera and microphone captured the moment. The joyous couple returned to a house full of people ready to celebrate with them.

“Shortly before that happened, we found out that Aaron’s mom had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer,” said Caitlin, who got to know Aaron on a grade 10 music trip to Austria. “She took a serious turn for the worse and was admitted to Toronto General, then Princess Margaret Hospital and then to the palliative care floor. We were told on February 4, 2015 that if we wanted her at our wedding we needed to get married that weekend.”

With the hospital’s chapel already booked, staff graciously offered the couple space in the 18th floor brain cancer centre on February 7, 2015. Aaron’s mother Suzanne was able to attend her son and daughter-in-law’s wedding, officiated by a minister from the church where she grew up.

“I was fortunate enough to get an actual wedding dress and Aaron designed my ring with a family friend,” recalled Caitlin. “I have a good friend who is a cake designer who made us a cake. We went to a florist and got flowers.

It all just kind of worked. A family friend who is a photographer just showed up. We had almost all of our immediate family there.”

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“After she attended our wedding, she felt she had made it,” said Aaron. “It was so emotional to be able to celebrate that day with her.”

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Designer: Aaron Hnatiw assisted by Karen McConvey, Metzger Studio, Barrie Dress shop Best for Brides, Etobicoke Tux sop/Men’s shop Moores Honeymoon/travel agent Disney World, Orlando Carribean cruise Caterer Hidden Valley Resort

Fortunately, Aaron’s mother fought on and got out the hospital. A month later, she was biking. Always a fit person who never smoked, Suzanne steadily regained her health. Her goal was to be able to crash Caitlin and Aaron’s second wedding. And she did.

“While we were doing our speech at the reception, she stood up and told everyone she crashed our wedding,” Caitlin said with a smile. “She was glowing. It was an amazing moment. Our wedding was definitely the dream celebration we had always hoped for in Muskoka. As well, our photographers Mike and Jenny from VP Studios were amazing and accommodating.”

As the couple considers breakfast the best meal of the day, they chose to have a brunch reception after their morning ceremony beside Peninsula Lake. The bride and her bridesmaids got ready at Caitlin’s uncle and aunt’s cottage and arrived, as hoped, by antique boat with her Dad. Many of their 140 guests made the weekend their summer getaway. While photos were being taken guests enjoyed a cocktail hour with specialty coffees, mimosas, fruit trays and pastries. The spacious wedding brunch included all the favourites – bacon, eggs, pancakes, roast beef, and a custom-made wedding cake tempted with a filling of lemon custard and raspberries.

“It was outrageous the food we had,” said 12 Wedding trends 2017

Caitlin. “There were speeches and dancing, and people got to hang out and mingle. It was a great, great wedding day.”

The reception’s highlight was the mother and son dance. Being able to witness it brought everyone to tears. The duo received a standing ovation. “We didn’t think it was going to happen,” said Caitlin. “It was wonderful.”

Free time in the afternoon let guests go back to their rooms, have a ride on the antique boat, swim, play tennis or, in the case of the groom, his groomsmen and a few friends, play some basketball. “It was amazing,” said Aaron.

“How many people can say they got to play basketball on their wedding day?”

The weather held up perfectly for the evening’s bonfire on the beach with drinks, s’mores and some more laughs.

Aaron’s mother passed away on August 12, 2016, but she had achieved her ultimate goal of being able to watch Aaron and Caitlin get married in the wedding of their dreams.

“After she attended our wedding, she felt she had made it,” said Aaron. “It was so emotional to be able to celebrate that day with her.”

The newlyweds plan to celebrate both of their wedding dates: February 7 as their wedding anniversary and June 25 as the anniversary of their first date.all of our immediate family there.”

Cake Teresa Patterson Music/DJ Ipod and music selected by bride, groom, maid of honour and families Hair stylist/Makeup Hair: Danielle Slessor & Stacey Brown Makeup: Rosie Bernado Invitations Vistaprint Florist Jane Marshall Flowers, Huntsville Photographer Mike and Jenny Vinson, VP Studios Master of Ceremonies Tyler Buist, Alanna Patterson Table/guest favours Donation to the Princess Margaret Foundation Wedding party gifts Bridemaids: Starbucks “best day ever” cups, earrings Groomsmen: cufflinks, tie clip, money clip, personalized socks

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Total cost of wedding $20,000

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Amy & Michael July 18, 2015

Family Cottage Wedding

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Twenty Two Studios, Barrie

14 Wedding trends 2017

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The bridesmaids’ light pink sweetheart dresses were short and simple. The bride’s tea length white gown featured a pink tulle underlay echoing the bridesmaids’ frocks.

With Amy Vellinga’s beloved family cottage at Balm Beach a mere half hour from their home in Barrie, she and her love Mike McDevitt spent many summer days there on the shores of Georgian Bay. When it came time to plan their wedding, the couple knew they wanted to have their special day at the family cottage.

“W

e rented a big tent for the reception on the beach and set up long banquet tables,” said Amy, whose July 18, 2015 nuptial brought 140 family and friends to the four-season property.

“It was one of the hottest days that summer, but we told people to bring shorts and feel free to go down to the beach and stick your feet in the water.”

Mike’s proposal to Amy on Christmas Eve of 2014 had equal parts romance and mystery.

After Christmas mass, he put a blindfold on Amy, drove around and ended up back at their 16 Wedding trends 2017

home. Amy’s parents, brother and dog Maggie were there as she read a beautiful card from Mike asking her to marry him. As Christmas is her favourite time of year, the timing was perfect. Champagne and celebration followed until the wee hours. Planning a summer wedding was a challenge for the couple who both work in the golf industry, but rentals and DIY reception décor made the process easier. The wedding party helped set up the reception tent and set the tables.

The couple were married at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Perkinsfield, a town

s g n i d d e W Intimate When intimacy and romance count, The Trillium Resort & Spa is your four season location for the perfect wedding.

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Details

Jewellery/ring designer Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers, Barrie Dress shop Gown made by family friend Cheryl Kasserman Tux shop/Men’s shop Le Chateau, Shoes: The Bay

Honeymoon/travel agent Self booked trip to Jamaica Caterer Michael and Marion’s, Barrie Desserts Tobi Goldspink, Bond Head, Ontario Church/hall St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Perkinsfield

near the cottage, where Amy attended mass in the summer while growing up. Mike’s uncle, Father Frank McDevitt, married them.

“It was special because his uncle married Mike’s sister and her husband,” said Amy. “He also baptized our baby daughter Ella who was born in the spring of 2016. The church was very warm, but Father Frank is good at keeping things quick.”

Wedding party outfits were planned for the hot summer weather. The bridesmaids’ light pink sweetheart dresses were short and simple. The bride’s tea length white gown featured a pink tulle underlay echoing the bridesmaids’ frocks.

After having a chance to cool off by, or in, the lake during a cocktail hour with music by harpist Deborah Mackay, guests sat down to a delicious dinner from Michael and Marion’s of Barrie. The reception décor was simple and elegant with white linens, white flowers, 18 Wedding trends 2017

chair bows and lots of candles. The tent ceiling was swagged with white linen and soft white lights. After dinner, DJ Josh Fournier got the party started with dance music designed to get everyone moving. The end of the night was a memorable one. Guests lit and released 150 Chinese lanterns and watched them float off over Georgian Bay through the clear, calm evening. A friend’s drone caught the entire spectacle on video.

When looking back on their wedding day, new mom Amy cherishes the memory of her husband staying right by her side during their entire wedding day.

“I don’t think Mike stopped holding my hand the whole day which was amazing,” said Amy. “We don’t like to be in the spotlight and we were both nervous. The ceremony was wonderful, but the memory of Mike not leaving my side is pretty incredible.”

Music/DJ DJ: Josh Fournier Live music: Tim Ronan, guitar; Deborah Mackay, harp Hair stylist/Makeup Status Salon – Josh; Makeup: Kristy Invitations Made by Bride and Groom Florist Melrose Flowers Rentals Westway Tents Photographer Twenty Two Studios, Barrie

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Table/guest favours Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls Total cost of wedding $50,000

2017

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Jennifer &Trevor August 15, 2015

Rustic, Romantic and Right

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Lindsay Nemeth Photography

20 Wedding trends 2017

After Jennifer Brinston and her fiancé Trevor Wikan found the perfect place for their wedding reception at Belle Vue Terrasse in Egbert, Ontario, they needed an equally perfect venue for their ceremony.

I

t had to be close to the reception site and have a splendid, lofty tree to fulfill their wish for a rustic and romantic wedding ceremony.

Jennifer quickly discovered the perfect place at Drysdale Tree Farm, also in Egbert.

“Erica at Drysdale was professional, accommodating and truly cared about our day,” said Jennifer, who lives with her husband in Alliston. “I didn’t want our guests to have to drive a long way between the ceremony and the reception. I also needed a forest or large tree where we could hang chandeliers and bring in vintage furniture. In the middle of the farm’s fir trees was a magnificent deciduous tree. Erica sent me pictures of the ceremony site on the morning of our wedding on August 15, 2015. They let us use the horse drawn wagon usually only used at Christmas as well as the farm’s train to transport our guests to the ceremony.”

Jennifer and Trevor first met as teenaged guitar students in their teacher’s waiting room and were friends for six years before starting to date. When the time came to propose, Trevor did so in an unexpected way.

“I came home from teaching dance and Trevor suggested we take our dog Ray to Gibson Hills, the dog park,” explained Jennifer, who teaches at her twin sister’s dancing school.

“He asked me to help him change Ray’s name tag and handed me a heart-shaped tag. It said ‘Will you marry me?’ He got down on one knee and asked the same thing. He had already looked up dates and knew that two years to that day was a Saturday and suggested we make it our wedding date.”

With a vision of their reception in a beautiful barn, the couple chose lovely Belle Vue Terrasse, a new barn venue set in the

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Details

With a vision of their reception in a beautiful barn, the couple chose lovely Belle Vue Terrasse.

Jewellery/ring designer Spence Diamonds Dress shop Taylor’s Bridal

Tux shop/Men’s shop Freemans Caterer O’Malley’s Catering

rolling hills of Essa Township. As well as being large enough to accommodate the couple’s 160 guests, Belle Vue Terrasse let the bride and groom hire their own vendors to create their rustic, vintage décor. The ceremony and reception incorporated many personal, handmade touches including table runners, centrepiece boxes and unique table favours.

Vintage teacups were gathered by the bride and her aunt at garage sales and filled with teabags as guest favours. A tag saying ‘The Perfect Blend’ said it all.

“Our wedding was very ‘us’ from the location to the ceremony music and from the ice cream truck at the end of the night to the popcorn bar during cocktail hour,” Jennifer said with a smile. “Every element reflected our personal tastes. We did our best not to include something simply because tradition dictated it.”

On her wedding day morning, Jennifer treated her bridesmaids to a pancake breakfast with a side of relaxed conversations and jokes. Twin sister Colleen Brinston was Maid of Honour and brother Sean Brinston one of the groom’s three groomsmen. Trevor’s brother Patrick Wiken supported his brother as Best Man. During the ceremony, Jennifer’s Aunt Mary from Ireland said an Irish blessing over the bride and groom after the officiant completed a symbolic tying of the couples’ 22 Wedding trends 2017

hands. Afterwards, everyone headed for a congenial cocktail hours at Belle Vue Terrasse.

A splendid buffet dinner of carved roasted strip loin, cheese tortellini, Jerusalem chicken and baked salmon was followed by heartfelt speeches from family members. The groom’s father ramped up his contribution by singing a song with the lyrics personalized for the bride and groom.

With many dancers in Jennifer’s family, the dance floor was packed all night. For the newlyweds, their first dance to “Then” by Brad Paisley was especially touching.

“We picked that song for our first dance years ago,” said Jennifer, “We were sitting in the car and Trevor asked if I had heard ‘Then”

by Brad Paisley. I hadn’t. He said one day when we get married, I want this to be our first dance. It was nice to actually get to dance to it.”

A honeymoon in Mexico gave the newlyweds time to relax and talk about their perfect day. Jennifer described their wedding day as a year’s worth of amazing things in one day.

“My favourite part of the day was when we said our vows,” said Jennifer. “It struck me that everything we had planned formally for two years and informally for seven years of dating had all been in preparation for this moment.

I knew it was worth it because I was marrying my best friend.”

Church/hall Drysdales Tree Farm Belle Vue Terrasse Music/DJ Sound Solution Hair stylist/Makeup The Cutting Edge Hair Salon Makeup: Ashley from Split Endz Invitations Handmade Florist Fran Sackler Floral Designs Rentals In the Barn Vintage Rentals Photographer Lindsay Nemeth Photography Table/guest favours Vintage teacups with teabags

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Wedding party gifts Robes from Etsy Pearl necklaces from J Crew Total cost of wedding $20,000

Weddings and More…

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A wedding at Lora Bay is the perfect way to begin your “Happily Ever After”. Nestled between the quaint towns of Thornbury and Meaford, Lora Bay boasts natural and serene vistas of the Blue Mountains, the Niagara Escarpment and the majestic shores of Georgian Bay.

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Wedding trends 23

Jessica &Louis June 27, 2015

Tiffany blue and baseball, too

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Jess Reid Photography

24 Wedding trends 2017

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Gem and Dia Jewellers

Choosing the date for their early summer wedding was a simple matter for Jessica Greaves and Louis Beare.

L

ouis, an athlete who met his future wife at the gym he now owns, always wore number 27 on his sports uniforms in honour of his father, as that was the number he wore. This was very special to Louis as his father passed away when he was a baby.

Coincidentally, Jessica’s father also wore number 27. Add to that the fact that the street number of the first home bought by the couple was 27, and the date had to be June 27, 2015.

The wedding included other mementos of family history as well. Jessica’s rose bouquet sparkled with brooches her grandmother had collected over the years. At the reception Louis’ Mother made a touching toast honouring loved ones who were there in spirit. Centrepieces were teapots borrowed from family members, and the head table was set with dinnerware that belonged to Louis’ grandmother.

Jessica and Louis had a mutual wish for their wedding day to be really personal and a reflection of who they are as a couple. Above all, they wanted their wedding to be fun for everyone. Decisions were made based on what

they thought their guests would enjoy, and those decisions proved to be excellent. The couple chose to have a lakeside ceremony at Camp Kitchen Beach in Huntsville, the town they call home. Their reception rolled out at the nearby Canada Summit Centre with its gorgeous waterfront view. The bride was raised in Huntsville and the groom spent summers at Billy Bear Lodge in Dwight, so it was natural that they wanted their guests to enjoy everything Muskoka has to offer.

Jessica’s favourite part of her wedding day was when she arrived at the ceremony and was finally able to see Louis, along with all of their friends and family. “After months of planning, it was so nice to be able to enjoy the day and see everything come together,” said Jessica.

Louis said his favourite memory of the day was when Jessica arrived. “We smiled at each other and I felt incredibly happy,” he recalled.

“In that moment I didn’t see anyone else.”

“When Louis could finally see me and we were able to say ‘I do’, that was the best part of the day,” said Jessica, who met her groom

Dress shop The Gown Gallery

Tux shop/Men’s shop Moores Honeymoon/travel agent Travel Plus Caterer Three Guys and a Stove Wedding cake Wheat Free Delights Church/hall Ceremony: Camp Kitchen Beach, Huntsville Reception: Canada Summit Centre, Huntsville Music/DJ DJ and live band: Double The Pleasure Hair stylist/Makeup Bride’s hair: Kacie LeBlanc Bridesmaids & Mother of Bride: Mariah Taylor Makeup: Katie Minnis Invitations Vistaprint designed by Jessica Florist Natasha Kowalski of Cottage Country Flowers Rentals Muskoka Party Rentals Photographer Jess Reid Photography Table/guest favours Handmade tea bags by Jessica and Louis

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Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: their bridesmaid dresses, shoes and jewellery Groomsmen: shoes and personalized flasks Total cost of wedding $15,000

2017

Wedding trends 25

When ordinary just won’t do.

For the Day you’ll always remember and the Evening they’ll never forget.

The Farmhouse is the perfect choice for your wedding venue.

Located on the waterfront, you guests will enjoy the spectacular view of Kempenfelt Bay while enjoying farm fresh cuisine.

We provide a unique dining experience, with choices such as pig roasts, whole organic chickens and a variety of set menus to accommodate any palate.

We are known for our value, service and atmosphere and would feel honoured to be a part of your special day.

The Farmhouse offers two private rooms; from 40 seats on the main floor and up to 80 seats in our second floor dining room. In conjunction with Elite Party Rentals, you can transform your room into the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. We also now offer an onsite wedding officiant to perform your ceremony.

Please email Sarah to set up a showing or for more info: heyboss@thefarmhouse.ca

268 Bradford St., (Corner of Lakeshore & Essa)

705-737-0522 • www.thefarmhouse.ca 26 Wedding trends 2017

beneath an arbour of baby’s breath and Tiffany blue accents. “When my father and bridesmaids arrived with me on the Muskoka Heritage Place train, they hid me so that Louis and I couldn’t see each other until I came down the aisle. We had big smiles on our faces the entire time, we were just so happy. The ceremony was a lot of fun.”

The wedding ceremony also included a wine ceremony lead by their officiant, Evelyn Coker. The bride and groom poured white and red wine together to make a rose. Combining the two wines to create one was symbolic of marriage.

“Evelyn said, ‘May your robust energy, strength and rich love for each other be with you always,’” Jessica remembers. “We did the mixture and made a toast after the signings, which was a really fun way to celebrate our marriage being official.”

Two themes went into Jessica and Louis’ wedding style – the bride’s favourite Tiffany blue colour and groom’s passion for baseball.

Tiffany blue accents appeared on the groom’s tie, Jessica’s and her bridesmaids’ shoes, napkins, table runners and the exquisite wedding cake designed by Wheat Free Delights as a replica of a Tiffany’s box. A poster made to look like a baseball jersey with ‘Beare’ on the back was available for guests to sign before sampling the festivities’ signature drinks in Tiffany blue and Blue Jays royal blue.

“We would take a Tiffany’s box with us when we were out looking for wedding items,” recalled Jessica. “We gave the colour to our baker for the wedding cake. It was a delicious vanilla coconut cake with a fondant bow on top.”

Local restaurateur Three Guys and A Stove served a scrumptious buffet for dinner. The groom’s Italian heritage was celebrated with pasta dishes and salads as well as chicken and prime rib entrees. Centrepieces on the dining tables echoed the bridesmaid’s beautiful bouquets. Three roses and baby’s breath were cradled in the borrowed teapots.

After the delicious dinner and first dance, the bride and groom went outside with their photographer just as the sun was setting. Louis opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate, following that he and his new wife were photographed on a little dock by the water.

“I remember how nice it was to spend some time just the two of us, even just for a few minutes,” said Jessica.

The newlyweds went to Ottawa the following weekend for a mini-moon and honeymooned in Cuba in November. In April 2016, they joyously welcomed daughter Chloe.

“On our first anniversary, we went back to Ottawa and took Chloe with us,” said Jessica.

“That’s going to be our anniversary tradition.”

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Laura &Aaron September 5, 2015

Late Summer Lakeside Wedding

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Kyle & Vanessa Photography

28 Wedding trends 2017

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Barrie natives Laura Pidgen and Aaron Grainge know how hot mid-summer can be in central Ontario. Hoping to avoid sweltering temperatures for themselves and their wedding guests, they chose a late summer date – September 5, 2015.

T

hey looked forward to a sprinkling of Autumn colour to add ambience to their outdoor wedding ceremony at YMCA Geneva Park in Orillia.

“It ended up being the hottest day of the summer,” laughs Laura, whose wedding to Aaron was also the tenth anniversary of the day they met at university in London, Ontario.

“We had a bunch of guests go swimming at the end of the night.”

Aaron and Laura, who were both varsity athletes in university, became engaged eight years after they started dating. Those years gave them time to save enough to buy a house and plan a fabulous wedding celebration.

Aaron’s proposal to Laura involved her birthday celebration, the romantic Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, two-dozen red roses and a little card among the flowers that read ‘Will you marry me?’ It also required getting down on one knee.

“Getting married was something we were moving toward, but at the time I was finishing an internship to become a registered dietician,” recalled Laura. “Marriage was the last thing on my mind. I was working at Town’s Jewellers in Orillia. My Maid of Honour’s family owns the store, and that’s where Aaron bought my ring.

He went there with her and her Dad when the store was closed on a Sunday. The owner pulled the engagement rings out of the vault, Aaron chose one and it was ordered. He picked it up one night after we had closed the store. The owner drove away, looped around and came back and met Aaron.”

The fiancés needed a wedding venue that could accommodate their numerous family members, with Laura’s side coming from the Niagara and Brantford areas. YMCA Geneva Park offered plenty of space for their 160 guests to stay, a beautiful, rustic outdoor setting for their wedding ceremony and a comfortable dining hall and dance area for the reception. It was exactly what the pair needed for a wonderful day.

On the front lawn, with the blue waters of Lake Couchiching as backdrop, the 10-member wedding party stood with the bride and

groom as the duo said their vows under an arch wrapped in vines and flowers. Prior to the ceremony, Laura and her husband-tobe shared a private moment that became a treasured memory.

“When Aaron and I were ready to go, we captured that first look,” Laura recalled fondly.

“He teared up when he saw me. Aaron was against doing it originally, but I’m the type of person who gets nervous in front of a crowd and seeing him helped. When I asked Aaron at the end of the night what his favourite moment of the day was, he said that was it.”

As with other aspects of Laura and Aaron’s wedding, the ceremony included the talents of family members. Laura’s uncle, a Justice of the Peace, married his niece and her groom.

Aaron’s cousin Rachel, a graphic designer, helped design the duo’s Save the Date notice and their wedding invitation. Aaron’s cousin baked their two-tiered pearl and Tiffany blue wedding cake and created the cupcakes set on tiers beneath the cake for easy grabbing by guests during the post-dinner dance. Aaron’s sister and her boyfriend made the tiered wooden cake stand as well as the wooden centrepiece bases that each supported a vase glittering with glass beads.

The newlyweds chose a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Canada as table favours for their guests. “Both of our grandmothers were affected by Alzheimer’s,” explained the bride. “It was a way of including them at our wedding.”

After dinner in the dining hall, guests moved into an adjacent room where the dance floor was softly illuminated by candles and strings of little globe lights and lanterns across the ceiling. The bride and groom also set up a lounge area with cosy couches for quiet conversations between dances.

“Our goal was to have people on the dance floor all night and we were very happy that ended up happening,” said Laura, who now works as dietitian at a diabetes clinic in Barrie.

“Everyone had a lot of fun, enjoyed themselves and enjoyed the venue.”

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Town’s Jewellers, Orillia Dress shop The Gown, Newmarket

Tux shop/Men’s shop Moores, Barrie Honeymoon/travel agent Self-booked 10-day cruise from New York City to the Caribbean Caterer YMCA Geneva Park Church/hall YMCA Geneva Park Music/DJ The Handy DJ, Orillia Hair stylist/Makeup Hair: Angie Wilkie, Orillia; Lori Adamovich, Barrie Makeup: Rosalee Bard, Orillia Invitations Appy Couple website Florist 19 Melrose Flower Studio – Marilyn Ruyter, Barrie Rentals Tiffany’s Party Rental, Barrie Photographer Kyle & Vanessa Photography, Orillia Table/guest favours Donation to Alzheimer Society of Canada in memory of their grandmothers Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: Town’s Jewellers – necklace and earring set Groomsmen: Blue Jays game and concert in Toronto Total cost of wedding $15,000

2017

Wedding trends 29

Leigh &Dan OCTOBER 28, 2015

A SECRET ELOPEMENT Photos by Lauren McGlynn

30 Wedding trends 2017

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Lunn’s Jewellers, Belfast Ireland Dress shop David’s Bridal

Dan Elliott and Leigh Blenkhorn wanted their wedding to be like a marriage, just two people. The Barrie couple eloped to Edinburgh, Scotland and was married at Lothian Chambers Oct. 28, 2015.

“W

e didn’t tell anyone what we were doing, not even our parents,” Dan said. “We wanted it to be a special moment for just the two of us.”

Dan and Leigh both grew up in Barrie went to Barrie North Collegiate, but it wasn’t until prom in 2007 that they even noticed each other.

“There was a big group that went together.

Dan and I were the only two solo people, so some friends shoved us together,” Leigh said, adding that they even have one of those awkward prom photos of the two of them.

“I know we went to the same school, and I think we were even in the same class a few times, but when I saw Leigh all dressed up for prom, it was like ‘Whoa, who is that?’”

The couple dated through the rest of high school and college. They eventually bought a home in Barrie and while the two had discussed marriage, they were both quite happy without the wedding.

“I didn’t really see why we had to get married. But then, we were planning this trip to the U.K. and I figured it would be a once in a lifetime trip, so it would be great to get married,” Dan explained. “I contacted a

Tux shop/men’s shop Moore’s, Barrie Bride’s shoes Jenners of Edinburgh

company in Ireland that sets up elopements. I wanted to surprise her with a wedding.”

But the response was bad news. There wasn’t enough time to get to proper paperwork from the government.

“Also, apparently it’s illegal to surprise someone with a wedding,” he added.

There wasn’t a proposal. Dan just brought up the fact they couldn’t get married casually in a conversation a few weeks before they left on the trip.

“My proposal was ‘Oh, by the way we can’t get married in Ireland,’” Leigh said.

Dan said once he opened the wedding door a crack, Leigh kicked it in. Since Ireland was out, she searched requirements for Scotland.

“We had just enough time to get all the paper work in. So all of sudden we are getting married in Scotland in a month,” he said.

But now, the race was on. Leigh was able to purchase a dress off the rack. “I was worried I wouldn’t find something I liked, but it was perfect,” Leigh says of the ivory tea-length strapless lace gown with beading.

Dan purchased a grey three-piece suit and a new pair of sneakers to match.

Wanting to incorporate a piece of their history into their future, Leigh cut pieces of

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Hair stylist Medusa, Edinburgh Florist Narcissus, Edinburgh, U.K Photographer Lauren McGlynn Photography, Edinburgh Venue Lothian Chambers, Edinburgh Dinner North Bridge Brasserie at The Scotsman Hotel, Edinburgh Reception Venue and Caterer Donaleigh’s Irish Public House, Barrie Invitations Email invites made by the bride Cake Chocolate chip cookies by the bride’s cousin Reception flowers Fendley’s Flowers, Barrie

2017

Wedding trends 31

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fabric from her prom dress and Dan’s prom suit and sewed them into the wedding dress and onto Dan’s tie.

After filing all the paperwork, the couple took off. First stop was Ireland.

“My mom’s family is from Belfast, so we decided to buy our rings there,” Leigh said of the plain platinum (for her) and palladium (for him) bands.

The couple then headed to Edinburgh for the big day.

They had contacted Edinburgh photographer Lauren McGlynn who specialized in elopements. She recommended a florist and hair salon and even served as a witness, along with her husband.

Leigh and Dan, hand-in-hand along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to city hall for their 3 p.m. ceremony. Several people stopped the couple along the way to wish them good luck.

The bride carried a bouquet made up of native Scottish flowers including purple thistles. Leigh wanted to have a piece of her family there with her.

“I managed to steal my mom’s pearls and my grandfather’s ring out of my parents house without them noticing,” she said.

The ceremony was conducted by a city clerk and included vows selected by the couple.

“After the ceremony it started to rain, but we didn’t let it stop us. We walked the historic streets and had our photos taken,” Leigh said.

“We have some pretty unique photos. We ended up in a library and museum, so we even have a photo with a T-Rex.” After a few days in London, it was time for the newlyweds to head home and face their family.

Leigh and Dan told their parents right away, but had a special way of telling their close extended family.

“We were all together for my grandma’s birthday about a week after we got back,” Leigh said. “We made a slideshow of photos from our trip. But, we slid in one wedding photo. The moment that photo came on the screen and everyone registered what they were looking at there was a lot of cheering and crying.”

Dan added, “No one was upset. We had a lot of people telling us ‘It’s about time.’”

The couple later hosted a wedding reception at Donaleigh’s Irish Public House in Barrie for family and friends.

They skipped the traditional dinner and wedding cake for finger foods and Leigh’s cousin’s famous chocolate chip cookies.

“It was great to do the wedding the way we wanted and then celebrate with our friends and family with great food and drinks,” Dan said. “The whole thing was perfect. I wouldn’t have changed a thing.”

9

Laura & Jason July 16, 2016

Wedding with a Personal Touch

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Mary Rose Thaler, Thaler Photography

2017

Wedding trends 33

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Damasci Jewelers Dress shop Purchased on Kijiji – brand new Tux shop/Men’s shop Banana Republic Ties: Hudson’s Bay

Honeymoon/travel agent Cruise Holidays – Cheryl Kelly-Guest, Bradford

Avid golfer Jason Stroud knew he wanted to get married on a golf course.

Bride-to-be Laura Johnson figured that would be par for the course, but insisted the club be close to their home in Barrie so guests could stay over at their place.

T

he National Pines Golf Club in Innisfil filled both priorities beautifully for their wedding on July 16, 2016.

“At National Pines, I had a long walk with my Dad from the limousine to the aisle,” said Laura of one of her favourite parts of the day. “It was beautiful to have that anticipation of seeing Jason. The ceremony was the most memorable part of the day because that’s what a wedding is really about – writing and sharing our own vows and making our whole wedding unique to represent us.”

Jason planned his proposal to Laura for six months, largely because she kept guessing what was going to happen every time he tried to surprise her. Finally on Father’s Day in 2015, with the help of Laura’s friends, his plan worked.

“My girlfriends and I met for walk in Fairy Lake park in Newmarket,” recalls Laura, who now lives in Barrie with her husband. “My friends wanted to meet at a certain bridge and I wanted to meet at our usual spot. Once we got to the bridge, I saw Jason. My friends hid in the bushes to take pictures while he proposed. He had asked my parents for their permission. My Mom gave him 30 days to propose because she was too excited to keep the secret any longer. It 34 Wedding trends 2017

was about day 28 when he asked me.”

The couple sent their 87 guests an RSVP card that included the line ‘I promise to dance if you play…..’ to make a request to the DJ. During the reception, the DJ posted his phone number so guests could text requests all evening.

The innovative idea brought guests from all generations to the dance floor.

Writing and sharing their own vows was very important to Laura and Jason, as was adding a knot ceremony to their outdoor wedding.

The knot was inspired by their first vacation together in Eastern Canada.

“We were told by a person at a lighthouse that the fisherman’s knot is the strongest,” recalls Laura. “We would tie this knot at our wedding to represent our love for one another and for our travels. We practiced and practiced tying it. It represents bringing together your past as one, and staying strong together regardless of what life throws at you.”

On the wedding morning, Laura, her Mom and the bridesmaids, including the bride’s sisters and best friends Lindsay Johnson and Julie-Anne Johnson, filled mason jars with flowers from the bride’s and neighbour’s gardens to line the aisle. For a vintage feel,

Caterer National Pines Golf Club Cupcakes: Nicole Campbell Church/hall National Pines Golf Club Hair stylist/Makeup Ciao Bella Hair and Makeup Artistry Invitations Vistaprint Florist Natalie Weaver Rentals Party Affair Rentals The Perfect Table Photographer Mary Rose Thaler, Thaler Photography Assistant: Chelsey Cunningham Table/guest favours Vin Bon – Pinotage bottle of wine with custom label Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: pearl jewellery set, jewelled clip hairpiece, robe Groomsmen: cigars, socks, ties, belt, dress shirt, pocket square Total cost of wedding $15,000

9

“We selected our favourite cupcakes because I wanted them to represent us and let everyone remember something about us.”

pieces from her grandmother’s antique collection and pieces collected with her mother were incorporated into the décor. “It drew in parts of our past, present and future,” said Laura.

The touching ceremony took place under a graceful fabric-draped arbour created by the bride and her Mom. The arbour now stands in the couple’s garden as a memory of their wedding and their vows.

An outdoor pre-dinner cocktail hour featured hors d’oeuvres and an enormous candy bar with over 100 lbs. of sweets including the groom’s favourites. Sweets lovers also enjoyed three kinds of cupcakes that were wrapped in lace and displayed on vintage plates: lemon with buttercream icing for Jason, salted caramel for Laura and red velvet as a mutual choice.

“The candy bar was packed all night long,” said Laura with a smile. “We selected our favourite cupcakes because I wanted them to represent us and let everyone remember something about us.”

The pair’s personal touch extended to a table at the reception entry with photos of loved ones who had passed away as a way to keep them near. Having all of their friends and family from different part of their lives in one place to celebrate their day was very special for the newlyweds.

“It is probably the only time we’ll have all the people we care about laughing together and getting to know each other,” said Laura.

“It was wonderful to see everyone happy and celebrating with us. It was also our way of saying thank you because they all brought us here to where we are today, to who we are.

They are all a part of why we love each other.”

..

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Wedding trends 35

Raeanne &Daniel June 4, 2016

Planning and Proposing

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Christina Stirpe Photography

36 Wedding trends 2017

There is something to be said about a man who proposes while touring a reception venue ‘just to see’ where they may marry one day.

D

aniel Albert was that romantic, audacious man. Daniel and his love Raeanne Kupraty toured Belcroft Estates, a splendid restored rustic barn and event centre in Gilford, Ontario, in March 2015.

He knew Raeanne was interested in marrying there when the time came and organized a family outing to see the space.

“During the tour, he proposed to me with a ring on the covered bridge,” Raeanne recounted with a smile. “We went directly inside and booked our wedding for June 4, 2016. Six is my favourite number and four is Daniel’s favourite and soccer number, so that date was perfect! My Mom, brother Daniel and my Matron of Honour Marianna Peluso Andreacchi were with us, and we FaceTimed my Dad in Florida. Daniel gave me roses and had brought champagne for everyone. Later I learned he had gone shopping for my ring with Marianna and planned the roses and champagne with her.”

Belcroft Estates is a tree farm, but couples started asking to be married there. A gazebo for wedding ceremonies and a marque tent for up to 250 guests were added. The property’s long lanes, old train cars and the covered bridge are perfect places for wedding photos.

After Raeanne and Daniel exchanged vows, their 140 guests filled the air with cheery clouds of bubbles. The reception began with a tradition celebrating Raeanne’s Ukranian heritage.

“When Daniel and I walked into the barn, we had a shot of vodka with our godparents in front of the head table,” the bride said.

“My brother Daniel talked about this tradition and what it means. Then my brother gave his speech to Dan and I, followed by Marianna, my Matron of Honour, Matthew the Best Man, and Daniel’s brother, and both sets of parents.”

9

2017

Wedding trends 37

Details

Dress shop Amanda-Lina’s Spousa Boutique, Woodbridge Bridesmaids: David’s Bridal Tux shop/Men’s shop Strauss Men’s Wear, Mississauga

Honeymoon/travel agent J.W. Mariott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa, Minett Caterer Lawrence of Old Firehouse Catering, Barrie McDonald’s Church/hall Belcroft Estates, Gilford Music/DJ Keep Them Dancing, Barrie Hair stylist/Makeup Hair: Mary Ellen of The Art of Makeup & Hair Makeup: Leanna of Looks by Leana (Covet Co.) Invitations Vistaprint Florist Bride’s close friend Vannessa Coniglio Rentals Kerr Events & Design, Barrie Elite Party Rentals, Barrie Photographer Christina Stirpe Photography Table/guest favours Homemade strawberry jam

The rustic reception décor included old wooden window frames that displayed the couple’s engagement photos, wood boxes handmade by the groom for the centrepieces and homemade strawberry jam guest favours made by Raeanne and her mother-in-law. A tag on the jam said ‘Spread the Love’.

An innovative barbeque buffet offered guests shrimp, smoked pork tenderloin, and BBQ pogos for appetizers and steak, potatoes, vegetables for dinner. The Matron of Honour created a naked three-layer wedding cake decorated with clusters of white flowers that hid a motorcycle to commemorate the groom’s Harley. During dinner, the newlyweds would honour kiss requests if the requestor could name the tune played by the DJ. 38 Wedding trends 2017

“If they got it wrong, someone at their table had to kiss,” said Raeanne. “Not a lot of tables actually did it, which was fine.”

After guests danced the night away, they were ready for the McDouble hamburgers pre-ordered by Raeanne and delivered from McDonalds’s to end the evening. The joyous couple left later that week for a relaxing honeymoon at the J.W. Mariott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa in Muskoka. Reflecting on their special day, the duo agreed they couldn’t have asked for a better wedding day.

“Everyone told me to relax and enjoy every second because it goes by fast, and I did,” said Raeanne. “I just loved being there with all my friends and family. Everyone was able to come, and the day was fun and light-hearted.”

9

Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: floral robe, Swarovski bracelet, mini sewing kit, personalized hanger Jr. Bridesmaids: floral robe, colouring book & pencil crayons, Swarovski earrings, personalized hanger, compact mirror Mother of bride/groom: personalized hanger, embroidered sweater, Swarovski bracelet, embroidered handkerchief Father of bride: wedding day tie with embroidered heart on back saying ‘Forever your little girl’ Father of groom: personalized Harley Davidson lighter Groomsmen: flask, Hudson Bay socks Ringbearer: Hudson’s Bay socks, bowtie, toy Cake Marianna Peluso Andreacchi from Cake Cup Co. Total cost of wedding $38,000

2017

Wedding trends 39

Ashlee & Matt July 16, 2016

Hearts and Horses

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Laura Fess Photography

40 Wedding trends 2017

9

2017

Wedding trends 41

"The woman who made riding ribbons for many of the shows I competed in made custom ribbons, giving things a rustic look.”

When bride-to-be Ashlee Bell told people that she and fiancé Matt Durston were holding their wedding reception in the outdoor riding ring at her parent’s farm in Schomberg, reactions were mixed.

“B

efore I told them Matt and my Dad had built a plywood floor to cover the sand floor of the ring, people questioned how we were going to do it,” smiles Ashlee, who married her love on July 16, 2016.

“It wasn’t really a shock for people who know I’ve riding since I was 4 years old. My horse, Corgan, stayed in his stall during the wedding but he came out for some photos. I’m lucky enough to have a supportive fiancé who knew how important it was for me to have our wedding here. That made it important to him.”

The couple met through mutual friends in 2010 when Ashlee was in college. A relationship evolved and eventually led to a marriage proposal from Matt. However, some

42 Wedding trends 2017

freezing cold weather and a lake were required.

“I grew up in Lefroy on Lake Simcoe,” said Ashlee. “As a child, I was often on the lake, swimming in it or skating on it. The lake is important to me and Matt knew it. One January, I couldn’t figure out why Matt and my Dad were so concerned about whether the lake was frozen or not. When the lake finally did freeze, Matt took me out to the middle. It was so cold! I wanted to go back in. Suddenly, he got down on one knee, pulled out a ring and proposed. Matt had already told my parents what he was planning. I was shocked they were able to keep it a secret. They were thrilled because they love Matt.”

The couple, who live in Innisfil, chose a July

wedding date and hoped for dry weather.

What they got was gorgeous day with lots of sun and a cooling breeze for their 100 guests at the Schomberg farm. The wedding’s equestrian theme was supported by the natural surroundings, but the bride’s family added additional décor. Ashlee’s mother used her flair for interior design to turn clear vases into mercury glass for the reception’s centrepieces.

Her Dad and fiancé contributed country candleholders created from old horseshoes.

“My Mom and I brought our ideas together,” said Ashlee. “She created and set up a lot of the décor. The woman who made riding ribbons for many of the shows I competed in made custom ribbons, giving things a rustic look.”

2017

Wedding trends 43

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Peter Dykie, Bradford

"The woman who made riding ribbons for many of the shows I

Dress shop Helen’s Bridal, Barrie

competed in made custom ribbons, giving things a rustic look.”

Tux shop/Men’s shop Moores Honeymoon/travel agent Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Bolton Caterer Catering By Colin, Barrie Shaken or Stirred, Barrie Music/DJ Keep Them Dancing – Nick Hair stylist/Makeup Hair: Victoria Bourque Beauty Boutique Makeup: Casey Zyla

The couple’s wedding ceremony was conducted in front of guests and their nine member wedding party on the grass beside the tented riding ring. The unconventional setting reflected the bride and groom’s wish to have an untraditional wedding.

“We wanted to keep the ceremony short,” explained Ashlee. “Even at the reception, we didn’t do a lot of speeches. We just wanted our wedding to be a big party and not too fussy.”

Guests enjoyed a summery meal of chicken or pork with salad and vegetables. Late evening snacks included cupcakes and pizza delivered from Schomberg with gluten-free slices for the bride. After dinner, the party got into full swing with the DJ’s eclectic mix of dance tunes from different eras that got everyone up on the dance floor.

“Our first dance was ‘Johnny and June’ by Heidi Newfield,” said Ashlee. “Matt danced with his mother to ‘My Wish’ by Rascal Flatts, 44 Wedding trends 2017

and I danced with my father to ‘Dance With My Daughter ‘by Jason Blaine. The father-daughter dance was emotional for me. My Dad watched me ride in the ring all the time. I had the highlights of my riding career in that ring with him. I’m not an emotional person, but I bawled.

Now, I will always have that memory when I’m riding in the ring.”

A donation to Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue was chosen by the bride and groom as their guests’ table favours. It was a gift from a horse lover to horses in need of help.

The newlyweds flew off for a honeymoon in Bahamas, a journey that marked their first trip together. During warm days by the ocean, Ashlee and Matt reflected on the fun of celebrating with family and friends on their wedding day, and looked forward to the coming years.

9

Invitations Bradford Print Shoppe Florist Diane Gilroy Rentals Guelph Tent Rentals Photographer Laura Fess Photography Table/guest favours Donation to Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue Total cost of wedding $15,000-$20,000

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

2017

Images courtesy of Scott Turnbull Photography

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Wedding trends 45

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46 Wedding trends 2017

Laura & Erik August 29, 2015

Summer Wedding in the Country

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Aimee Morrow-Edgcumbe, ToMorrow Productions

2017

Wedding trends 47

“My Dad and Erik cut slices of log as centrepiece bases,” explained Laura.

“We collected lace doilies and mason jars that held flowers like the ones in my bouquet."

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Peoples Jewellers Dress shop David’s Bridal

Caterer Cattodale Country Celebrations Church/hall Cattodale Country Celebrations Music/DJ Paul Danard, guitar: ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner Sundance Disc Jockeys Hair stylist/Makeup Hair: Hairs To You – Deb Lumley Makeup: Lotus Hair & Body Studio Invitations Vistaprint Florist Flower Expressions Rentals 4 Seasons Party Rentals

Though clarinets brought Laura Farmer and Erik VanderDuim together initially, it was love that composed their journey to a summer wedding on August 29, 2015.

I

n the fall of 2007, Laura played clarinet in an ensemble at her church. Fellow clarinettist Erik joined because his elementary school music teacher was the group’s director. Sitting beside each other, the musicians struck up a friendship and started dating in May 2008. By July of 2014, Erik was planning to propose to his love.

“I was in the military and posted in Edmonton and Laura was still in school,” recalls Erik.

“One Saturday morning, I caught the red eye flight to Toronto and surprised Laura at her 48 Wedding trends 2017

college graduation in London. Her Dad picked me up and we both went. I surprised her with a proposal at her house that night and flew back to Edmonton Sunday morning. Her Dad only knew I was going to surprise Laura at her graduation, so on the way to London I told him my plans.”

After graduation, Laura moved to Edmonton to be with Erik who was working there. She set about planning an Ontario wedding from a distance. The couple decided to get married and have their party at Cattodale Country

Photographer ToMorrow Productions – Aimee MorrowEdgcumbe Table/guest favours Wedding Shoppe: Thank you card with plantable seed paper heart Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids & Maid of Honour: sterling silver earrings with pearls by local artisan, clutch purses from Aldo Groomsmen & Best Man: engraved pocket knives from Cabela Total cost of wedding $20,000-$25,000

Celebrations, a brand new facility near Owen Sound. They sent Erik’s parents and Laura’s brother to check out the venue. The group’s report was favourable.

“Looking back, it was quite a leap of faith,” said Laura. “Erik and I first saw the venue the week before the wedding. We were so glad we chose it! It fit our wedding’s rustic theme perfectly with a century barn and a large new building for the dinner and dance. There was a great outdoor space for the ceremony looking out to the fields behind. I have a background in riding horses and love all things country. The simple, rustic look at Cattodale worked well.”

Laura’s mother, who is a minister, did not perform their ceremony but helped the duo with planning their vows. The couple chose what appealed to them from different versions and created something meaningful.

On the big day, rain threatened to move the ceremony indoors. However, at the last minute the sun emerged and their 127 guests took their seats outside. Solo guitarist Paul Danard played as Laura, carrying a bouquet of blush and white flowers, came down the aisle after Maid of Honour Michal McCurdy and bridesmaids Katie Brown and Karin VanderDuim. At the front, the groom was accompanied by Best Man Zak LinthorneShaw and groomsmen Jonathan Farmer and Daniel Brooks. Solo guitarist Paul Danard played during the ceremony, as well as at cocktail hour and during dinner. Later, the bride said her favourite moment of the day was when she first saw Erik on that walk.

Happily, the groom’s fondest memory was seeing his bride at the same time.

After a post-ceremony cocktail hour, guests enjoyed an excellent buffet dinner at tables decorated with centrepieces created by Laura, her dad and Erik.

“My Dad and Erik cut slices of log as centrepiece bases,” explained Laura. “We collected lace doilies and mason jars that held flowers like the ones in my bouquet. Our table number holders were old horseshoes from my horse. The number was painted on burlap and stretched between the sides of an upright horseshoe.”

After dinner, the fabulous party started with a mix of country and contemporary hits to give everyone the chance to get up and dance.

“Our DJ Sam was great at reading the crowd,” said Laura. “She really played into the mood of the room and kept people dancing.”

The newlyweds drove back to Edmonton with a car filled to the roof with wedding gifts and their two less than happy cats. In March 2016, the cats made a return trip to Ontario when their parents moved back to the Barrie area.

9

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Wedding trends 49

Lauren &Michael May 21, 2016

Lucy Makes Eight

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Cassie Britton, Hope Harbour Photography

50 Wedding trends 2017

You get a good feeling about a wedding where an uneven number of bridesmaids to groomsmen is levelled by the addition of the bride and groom’s beloved dog.

T

hus it was that Lucy became flower dog at the wedding ceremony of Lauren Zaroksi and Michael Thorn on May 21, 2016. Appropriately, the collie/shepherd’s collar sported the same flowers carried by the bridesmaids.

“Mike was very unsure about the whole idea of having a dog in our wedding,” said Lauren who met her future husband in 2008 at a mutual friend’s house in Barrie. “I told him she’s our furry baby - we must have her. It worked out. A groomsman offered to walk Lucy down the aisle. Plus, Lucy is calm and doesn’t bark.”

Lauren and Michael’s wedding ceremony and reception took place at the Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn and Conference Centre in Orillia. The couple chose the venue for its fantastic wedding coordinator, reasonable price that included extras like linens and centrepieces, and charming outdoor space for their ceremony.

“It actually snowed the weekend before the wedding, but on our wedding day it was 23C and beautiful,” said Lauren.

Lucy and the seven human members of the

wedding party walked down the aisle before the bride appeared to the beautiful song “Take My Hand” by Emily Hackett. Lauren and Michael exchanged vows in a gazebo festooned with flowers and hanging baskets.

They greeted their 100 guests as joyful newlyweds, walking back down the aisle to “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors.

At the indoor reception, graceful centrepieces of tall vases holding tinted water and a floating candle adorned the dining tables. Each table was marked with silver glitter wooden numbers on a black base created by Michael. The meal at the reception, a delicious buffet, was the subject of some prewedding conversation.

“Mike wanted a plated meal because he thought we should be served on our wedding day,” Lauren recounted. “I wanted a buffet because we have big eaters in our family.

Mike’s brother, Cam Thorn, plays football for the Calgary Stampeders. He eats a lot, whereas my grandma only eats a little. Mike was not keen on the buffet idea for the longest time. I told him if it would make him feel better,

Details

Dress shop David’s Bridal

Tux shop/Men’s shop Moores

Honeymoon/travel agent Disney World - Orlando, Florida

Caterer Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn and Conference Centre

Church/hall Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn and Conference Centre

Music/DJ The Handy DJ – Tyler Handy

Hair stylist/Makeup Cavana Spa and Salon – Emily Murphy, Orillia

Invitations Grace Irving (sister-in-law)

Florist Marilyns Country Florist

Photographer Hope Harbour Photography – Cassie Britton

Table/guest favours M&Ms supplied personalized candies

Total cost of wedding $17,000

2017

Wedding trends 51

At the indoor reception, graceful centrepieces of tall vases holding tinted water and a floating candle adorned the dining tables.

Beautiful Traditions...

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www.collierunited.ca 52 Wedding trends 2017

I would serve him his dinner. He said he would hold me to it. The moment he started to get up to go to the buffet, I reminded him. Pictures were taken of me serving him.”

Michael’s proposal to Lauren also involved food. The couple, currently living in London while Mike finishes his Ph.D. in biology, often go out for weekend breakfast and take Lucy for a walk on a path to a manmade pond. Standing by the pond, Michael reminded his love that they had been together a long time and had started their family with their fur baby. Then, he got down on one knee.

“The first thing I said was ‘Are you joking?’” laughs Lauren. “I wasn’t expecting it at all. He couldn’t believe that was the first thing out of my mouth. We had been together six years, but he had to finish school. He had called my parents the night before while walking the dog.

I wondered why the walk took such a long time.”

After the post-dinner speeches by the Best Man, Maid of Honour, both sets of parents and the bride and groom, the photographer asked everyone to come outside for a group picture in the beautiful evening light. Then, there was a general rush to the candy bar for gummy frogs, Jujubes, liquorice and other delights. The little wedding cake, made by the bride and topped with ‘Mr. & Mrs.’, sat on a silver glitter base above tiers of tempting vanilla and chocolate cupcakes with white frosting. To make sure every sweet tooth was satisfied, the guest favour was a pillow of M&Ms personalized with the couple’s name and wedding date or their picture.

This year will be an exciting one for the couple. Lauren and Mike are expecting their first child in March 2017, and Mike hopes to finish his degree in early 2017.

9

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2017

Wedding trends 53

Chantelle &Allan June 25, 2016

Elegant Wedding with a Personal Touch

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Nikki & Tanya, Miller Ellis Photography

54 Wedding trends 2017

It was the thoughtful little personal touches that made Chantelle Marchand and Allan Rivett’s wedding day so welcoming, warm and memorable for their 108 guests last summer.

T

heir ceremony and reception were held on June 25, 2016 at the Bear Estate at Cranberry Resort in Collingwood.

“We added a lot of our own personal things to the reception,” said Chantelle, who met her future spouse through mutual friends at the YMCA in their hometown of Midland in 2008. “I had a basket of flip flops for guests who wanted to take their high heels off. I had little water bottles labelled with our names and wedding date. Guests could grab a snack anytime at the candy table that was full of the things we like – varieties of popcorn and chocolate, wedding cupcakes and cake pops.

We also had a little memorial table with candles and pictures of our grandparents who had passed.”

Allan proposed to his love right before Christmas during a photo session in Parry Sound, where the couple live, for a family Christmas card. He wore a green plaid shirt, and she was in red plaid.

“During the shoot he proposed to me, just randomly,” said Chantelle. “We were on a little bridge near the water. He got down on one knee and pulled the ring out of his pocket. We have pictures of the whole thing, which was his plan. He hadn’t told anyone he was going to propose so we were able to go home at Christmas and tell everyone. Allan designed my ring and had it six months before he proposed. Knowing the snoopy person I am, he took the ring hunting with him twice.”

The couple immediately fell in love with Bear Estate when they saw it. Chantelle knew it had everything on her wedding checklist including a gorgeous area for an outdoor ceremony on Georgian Bay. The wedding coordinator proved fantastic to work with and

9

2017

Wedding trends 55

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Jeff Walters Jewellers, Barrie Design by Allan Rivett Dress shop Keira’s Bridal Wreath, Barrie Tux shop/Men’s shop Moores, Barrie

The couple immediately fell in love with Bear Estate when they saw it. Chantelle knew it

Honeymoon/travel agent Carribean cruise

had everything on her wedding checklist including a gorgeous area for an outdoor ceremony on Georgian Bay.

Caterer Cranberry Resort Church/hall Bear Estate Music/DJ Gene Styles – Keep Them Dancing, Barrie Hair stylist/makeup Glitz Galz – Vanessa Monteith & Julie Lynas, Midland Invitations Things I Do – Robin MacDonald, Barrie

the venue flexibly fulfilled the couple’s wants and needs to create a classy, elegant and personal day.

For the ceremony, the bride chose traditional wedding music but broke with traditional for the vows. Writing their own vows was important to the pair and they became Chantelle’s favourite part of their day.

“The vows were so personal that everyone was crying,” said Chantelle. “A videographer filmed the whole thing and I haven’t been able to stop watching it. Allan started writing his vows the week of the wedding, so they came straight from the heart. He did a great job and had everyone in tears. I started mine a couple of months ahead and would add to them from time to time.”

After a convivial cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, guests dined on a delicious three-course plated meal. Table linens in the wedding colours of light pink and

56 Wedding trends 2017

gray were repeated in the chair covers and centrepiece vases that held floating candles, roses and hydrangeas in pink-tinted water. In the evening, temperatures cooled off while the dance floor heated up with tunes chosen by fantastic DJ Gene Styles from Keep Them Dancing in Barrie. The reception was so much fun that it became the groom’s favourite part of the awesome day.

“Allan had a really good time dancing away,” said his new wife, smiling. “We had a photo booth and it was lot of fun with props like fancy glasses and signs. We got a USB with everyone’s photos. Allan and his Mom had a very nice dance, and the bridesmaids kept going on up the dance floor. Everyone was having a good time and the floor was never empty. The whole night was memorable.”

The happiness continued for Chantelle and Allan with a honeymoon cruise to the Carribean in January 2017.

9

Florist Opulence Floral & Design – Shawn McLachlan, Innisfil Rentals Splash Events – Jai Crouch, Midland Photographer Miller Ellis Photography – Nikki & Tanya, Barrie Table/guest favours Box to fill with treats from candy table Wedding party gifts Bridemaids: matching necklaces from Michael Hill Jewellers, personalized hangars and robes from weddingprepgals.com Groomsmen: personalized flasks from Things Engraved; Collingwood Whiskey Total cost of wedding $30,000

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Your Muskoka Wedding Florist 2017

Wedding trends 57

Krystal & Andrew July 23, 2016

Tying the Knot at Tappattoo

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Scott H. Wilson Photography

58 Wedding trends 2017

On August 30, 2015, Krystal Long and Andrew Kurtz were fishing on Lake Isabella at the Long family’s cottage near Parry Sound.

T

he couple, who met while attending post-secondary schools in North Bay in 2008, decided to park the boat and go for a walk down a river to find another fishing spot. Reaching a place where old railway ties from historic logging days lay across the river, Andrew took an engagement ring out of his fishing backpack, placed one knee on the ties and proposed to his love.

After researching venues in the Parry Sound area, the Grand Tappattoo Resort stood out.

The resort had everything needed for their July 23, 2016 wedding. Forest dotted the beautiful property, the beach on Otter Lake was perfect for their wedding ceremony, and there was ample accommodation for the groom’s family who lives in the Guelph area. A marquee tent could be set up near the beach for their reception.

For the reception tents décor, Krystal chose a fresh, clean and bright look with white chairs and table linens. Two antique chandeliers and twinkling strands of light bulbs illuminated the tent. Family and friends came together to help the couple with the rest of the décor. Barb Kurtz, Krystal’s mother-in-law, made all of the beautiful bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, adding a little fishing lure to the groom’s boutonniere for his love of fishing. Krystal’s father helped the couple collect aged wood from a collapsed barn to fashion centrepiece boxes filled with dried hydrangea. On each table, mason jars cradled softly burning candles anchored in sand from the surrounding area. Clear gems spread on the tabletops added sparkle. Birch bark strip napkin rings were cut by Krystal and inscribed by her Mom with the couple’s name and wedding date, held together by a rope heart made by the groom. Guests received an advice card on which to give the newlyweds their best or silliest marriage advice.

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2017

Wedding trends 59

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Bride: Tacori Groom: Metalsmiths Sterling

For the reception tents décor, Krystal chose a fresh, clean and bright look with white chairs and table linens.

Two antique chandeliers and twinkling

Dress shop Mother’s wedding dress, altered

by Kitty Fraser-Long

strands of light bulbs illuminated the tent.

Tux ship/Men’s shop Moores Caterer Grand Tappattoo Resort Music/DJ Bride & Groom selected music Hair stylist Mary Jo’s Hair Design – Mary Jo, Parry Sound Invitations Handmade by the Bride

“We set up my mother-in-law’s popcorn machine and my Dad and I made bags that said ‘Thanks for popping by’ on them,” said Krystal.

“Guests also had a lot of fun with the props at the photo booth backdrop I made out of tissue paper flowers.”

Many of the guests were impressed by the bride’s wedding dress that her Mom made 29 years ago for her own wedding. Krystal and her Mom altered the dress by cutting off the sleeves, lowering the back into a deep V and adding crinoline underneath.

One of the bride’s fondest wedding memories was walking down the aisle with her parents and seeing all the people she had known throughout her life. “I felt like I was in a dream,” Krystal quietly recalls. “It was a warm, amazing feeling.” She met her groom beneath a birch arch made by themselves and Krystal’s Dad, and walked out with her new husband through bubbles blown by the guests. An infinity knot, tied during the ceremony by the bride and groom using two large ropes, is now

60 Wedding trends 2017

hung proudly in their home. The wedding party included the couple’s dog Harley and Andrew’s 8-month-old nephew, Sawyer. The baby was adorable in his bowtie and blue suspenders while held by his groomsman Dad. After the ceremony, a playful mood set in as guests headed for games on the lawn such as croquet, giant Tic Tac Toe and a huge Kerplunk game made by Krystal’s Dad. The groom handcrafted a popular one-hole mini putt as well.

An excellent buffet dinner was accompanied by wonderful speeches that left the bride and groom happy and content. After dancing all evening to the newlywed’s playlist of their favourite music, guests grabbed sparklers and headed to the beach to send off the happy couple.

“Our friends and family stood in two lines on the beach and waved the sparklers around as we ran through holding hands,” said Krystal.

“It was so beautiful and such a memorable experience.”

9

Florist Barb Kurtz, Mother of the Groom Rentals Applause – Grand Tappattoo Resort Photographer Scott H. Wilson Photography – Scott Wilson, Ottawa Table/guest favours Paper bags of coffee with rope heart tie and label ‘The Perfect Blend – Krystal & Andrew – July 23, 2016' Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: infinity bracelets & personalized hangars made by Bride Groomsmen: cigars

One Enchanted Evening I

t’s what you want your wedding reception to be, enchanting.

Romance, fine food, sparkling dishes, a big, inviting dance floor – you’ll find all this and more at one of Huntsville’s premiere wedding reception venues: the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #232. For generations the Legion has been the hall of choice for brides who want only the best on their wedding day. One of the biggest halls in Muskoka, the Legion is able to accommodate up to 400 guests with dinner seating for 250. If your guest list is smaller, you can rent the Half Hall, which can seat up to 150 people for dinner.

One of the best things about the Legion is you don’t have to worry about hiring your own bartender or ordering your own liquor. The Legion supplies a staffed bar which includes licence, insurance and product. What a weight off your shoulders!

As for the wedding feast, you can engage a caterer of your own choice; you can bring your own food and serve it; or you can let the talented cooks in the Legion Ladies Auxiliary whip up an extraordinary sit-down dinner, a light lunch, or a buffet.

Their rates are reasonable and include dishes, cutlery, linens and cleanup.

The Legion also includes a PA system and podium; a projection screen, TV and VCR; tables (round or rectangular); padded chairs; a large hardwood dance floor; an elevator (from main entrance); and a ramp directly to the hall for easy equipment access.

All you have to do is decorate to your heart’s content, show up and enjoy everything the Legion has to offer.

Other venues may come and go, but the Royal Canadian Legion continues to be the place Huntsville area couples trust to make their wedding day dreams come true.

Call to book your wedding!

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232 1-21 Veteran’s Way, Huntsville, ON P1H 1P3 Phone: 705-789-4641• Fax: 705-789-5922

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2017

Wedding trends 61

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62 Wedding trends 2017

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Josie &Ben August 6, 2016

A Sparky Romance

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Cole McFarlane

2017

Wedding trends 63

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Bride: Maple leaf Diamonds Groom: Triton Dress shop Bridesmaids: Aritzia – Wilfred Bride: Tara Keeley Pearl House Bridal, Mississauga Tux shop/Men’s shop Moores

Honeymoon/travel agent Vision Travel - St. Lucia Ladera Resort Caterer The Ridge at Manitou Golf Club Church/hall The Ridge at Manitou Golf Club Hair stylist/Makeup Hair: Elle & Amore - Colleen Slappendel Makeup: Nicki Svajlenko Invitations DIY lino block prints by Josie Ament Florist Obdam’s Flowers, Parry Sound

For her wedding invitations, artist Josie Ament carved a lino block stamp saying “From the Very First Spark” around a spark plug. Though the design may seem unorthodox, it was the perfect graphic for a bride and groom whose first date was working together all night on a motorcycle.

More specifically, working on Josie’s motorcycle.

“M

y motorcycle had a blown gasket and Ben, who is a mechanical engineer and a lover of anything with an engine, offered to work on it,” explained Josie of how she and new husband Ben Kuhn began a relationship that evolved into marriage on August 6, 2016.

“We hit it off that first night, so the spark plug

64 Wedding trends 2017

theme ran through our wedding. Instead of table numbers at the reception, a table name was held by a magnet onto a wire with a spark plug. The tables were named after bodies of water that we had spent time at over the years.

Using spark plugs was kind of odd, but it spoke to us.”

The couple’s choice of The Ridge at Manitou

Photographer Cole McFarlane Photography Table/guest favours Soapstones, Huntsville Wedding party gifts www.etsy.com/ca/shop/LittleSycamore Total cost of wedding $24,000

Golf Club in McKellar, north of Parry Sound, was also appropriate for their relationship.

Ben grew up in Parry Sound and met his future wife through mutual friend and future groomsman Taylor Cluett in the summer of 2013 at a cottage on Georgian Bay. She and Ben were friends when he responded to Josie’s Facebook post about her broken motorcycle. In March 2016, Ben proposed to Josie at her much loved family cabin in Grey County by writing, ‘Marry Me’ in red rose petals.

“It was a total surprise,” recalled Josie. “We hadn’t talked about a ring, so he free-styled it and it worked out. We looked at a few places to have our wedding, but the moment we drove down the driveway and over the pretty rock bridge at The Ridge, then saw the clubhouse and the lake, we knew it was the place! Ron, the head chef, showed us around the timber frame building and we just loved it.

Ron was awesome.”

The couple’s wedding ceremony took place on a patio with the lake as a spectacular backdrop and mandolin accompaniment

by Josie’s Uncle, Paul Beatty from British Columbia. The bride, in a simple A-line gown and sandals, came down the aisle to the Elvis tune, “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” With no music planned for their return aisle trip, Uncle Paul played a remarkably spur of the moment tune for the newlyweds.

At the reception, in the Club’s timber framed clubhouse that reminded Ben of his childhood home, décor was kept simply and was largely DIY. “The clubhouse was really beautiful so we didn’t have to do much,” said Josie. “We had mason jars with flowers cut from a local garden. I wanted it to feel natural, so we used earthy colours like green, browns and mauves. Our centrepieces were potted rosemary, thyme and lavender. At the end of the evening, guests took them home.”

For dinner, renowned chef Ron Toma prepared an exquisite buffet featuring prime rib and his famous deep fried blueberry cheesecake for the 110 wedding guests. The dancingportion of the evening began with Ben’s grandfather playing guitar and singing, “Can I Have This Dance” for the newlywed’s first dance. “We wanted him to be part of the wedding and didn’t care what song he sang as long as it was meaningful to him,” Josie said.

“That first dance was so awesome.” Everyone was invited to come outside to light sparklers.

The bride and groom danced amid a little galaxy of lights in the beautiful evening.

“It was crazy how fast the day went,” reflected Josie. “The best part was being with everyone who we care about. We were cheered as we left the venue.”

The couple were driven straight to Toronto

by Ben’s close friend Matt Smith and a few hours later they flew to St. Lucia to dive into some snorkelling on their beach honeymoon.

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2017

Wedding trends 65

Kim & Steve April 2 & 13, 2016

Wedding by the Waves

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Stephanie Gauci, Golden Hour Exposures

66 Wedding trends 2017

Love often leads to marriage.

However for Kim Norris and Steve Gauci, love for each other and their deep affection for a family member lead to not one but two weddings in two countries.

I

n 2015, Barrie residents Kim and Steve had been together for 11 years. One day, Steve was about to go out the door on his way to the gym when he paused to ask Kim a question – will you marry me? The quick proposal came as a total surprise to the bride-to-be.

“For most of our relationship, Steve said he would never get married again, so needless to say, I was shocked when he proposed to me.

It was also strange considering that he took 11 years to do it and then it happened so quickly.

He’d had the ring for over a month, and I’m not sure why he felt that was the ideal time. I’m just happy that he did!”

The couple wanted a destination wedding in a tropical climate, but it took a few months to find a resort with available dates. The Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, an idyllic Mexican resort the couple had stayed at and adored the previous year, could accommodate their April 13, 2016 wedding.

Soon after Kim and Steve announced their engagement, it became apparent to them that they would need to have a wedding in Ontario as well as Mexico. Steve’s brother Glen, confined to a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy and unable to travel, was overjoyed about their upcoming wedding and looked forward to being at the celebration.

“Glen is in a long-term care facility in Elora,” explained Kim. “He is ecstatic about any family occasion and talks about it for months. When he found out about our engagement, he talked about the wedding and having a big party every time we spoke with him. In our hearts, we knew that we had to have something for him and decided to get married in Elora. We had 24 people at our Ontario wedding and almost the same number of people at our wedding in Mexico.”

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2017

Wedding trends 67

Details

“Our children were thrilled to go to Mexico for the wedding. It was a nice holiday for everybody.”

Jewellery/ring designer Jeff Walters Diamonds, Barrie Dress shop Avenue 22 Bridal, Toronto

Tuxedo shop/Men’s shop RW & Co., Barrie Honeymoon/travel agent Honeymoon trip arranged by bride

With son Ryan walking Kim down the aisle, daughter Shenaed as her Maid of Honour, son Scott as Steve’s Best Man and daughter Stephanie as the photographer the bride and groom said their vows on April 2, 2016 in a little chapel in Glen’s home. The wedding ceremony, like the ceremony in Mexico, was simple and classic. The pastor who married the couple was a friend from Barrie. Guests included Shenaed’s husband Marcio, Stephanie’s boyfriend Jordan, Ryan’s girlfriend Elissa, Steve’s parents and their spouses, and the groom’s brother who travelled from Florida with his wife and two daughters. The wedding party and guests later enjoyed a delightful dinner and celebratory evening at The Cork Restaurant in Elora.

“The wedding in Elora was very emotional for me for some reason,” Kim recalled. “I had a hard time just getting through my vows and made everyone else in the chapel emotional, too. Our wedding was something I had wanted for a long time. I felt overwhelmed because it was actually happening.”

An oceanfront gazebo set beneath sunny skies and waving palm trees was the setting for Kim and Steve’s intimate wedding ceremony in Mexico. Simple glass vases of white roses echoed the flowers wrapped in the bride’s bouquet and carried as nosegays by daughters Stephanie and Shenaed. Sons Ryan and Scott completed the wedding party, wearing white shirts and ties, vests and ecru pants that complemented the groom’s beige linen suit 68 Wedding trends 2017

with white accents. The girls’ flowing, floral print dresses were discovered and bought by their parents at Guess. Kim walked down the aisle to Christina Perri’s ‘A Thousand Years’ in an elegant sleeveless white lace gown.

“At this ceremony in Mexico as it was in Elora, daughter Shenaed was my Maid of Honour, son Scott was Steve’s Best Man, son Ryan walked me down the aisle and daughter Stephanie was the photographer,” said Kim, fondly. “Our children were thrilled to go to Mexico for the wedding. It was a nice holiday for everybody.”

After the ceremony, the couple held a welcome party for their guests on the beachfront between the gazebo and a second gazebo where the reception was held. Guests enjoyed champagne and hors d’oeuvres before strolling to a buffet dinner of chicken, beef, fish, vegetables and pasta followed by cheesecake.

The night finished with a fabulous party at the Hard Rock’s Club Heaven.

“At Club Heaven, everyone had a great night of dancing including our son Scott who was really kicking it up with his grandmother,” Kim recalls with a smile. “All of our guests, except a couple staying at another resort, were with us for the entire week. It was a fantastic vacation for everybody. The first time we went to the Hard Rock was with a group of friends. When we went back this time, some of them were with us again. The only thing we wanted for our wedding was for our family and friends to come and be with us on our special day.”

Hair stylist Posh Salon at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya Invitations Bride worked with a graphic artist to design; printed at Barrie Press Florist Flowers provided by Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya Photographer Golden Hour Exposures – Stephanie Gauci Wedding party gifts Bride and groom funded their children, who were their wedding party, to join them for a week at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya.

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Huronia Mall, County Rd 93, Midland 70 Wedding trends 2017

Photography by

Ashleigh & Braden June 20, 2015

Modern History

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

2017

Wedding trends 71

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Spence Diamonds Dress shop Avenue 22, Toronto

Tux shop/men’s shop Moores Caterer Tall Trees Restaurant Church/hall Pioneer Memorial United Church Hillside Barn Music/DJ The Clearing

After exchanging vows on June 20, 2015 at Pioneer Memorial United Church in Hillside, Ontario, Ashleigh Wilson and Braden Hill did something few brides and grooms can do as part of their wedding ceremony.

T

he couple signed a Bible that has been in the Hill family since the 1800s when Braden’s great-great grandfather and pioneer Reverend Robert Norton bought land and built the church. Their signatures joined those written by Braden’s parents on their wedding day, and the original signatures written in charcoal by pioneers.

Until recently, the Hill family also owned the century Hillside Barn property across the road where the newlyweds danced the night away with their 80 jubilant guests.

With assistance from Lucy Myers of Lucy Myers Events in Huntsville, the large restored barn became a rustically chic setting for the evening’s festivities.

“Lucy was fantastic!” said Ashleigh. “We had a rustic decor baseline and wanted to put romantic elegance into it. Table were set 72 Wedding trends 2017

with gold flatware, crystal stemware and pearl place mats. Behind the head table, a gorgeous drapery backdrop with chandeliers and florals made a nice contrast to the natural wood of the barn. At the church, we kept decorations simple with flowers at the front and down the aisle on the pews. Beautiful stained glass was behind us during the ceremony. We wanted people to focus on the historical and family history aspects of the church.”

While growing up in Huntsville, Ashleigh and Braden had the same group of friends.

Although they had an unspoken connection during the years, it wasn’t until 2011 that the time was right for the couple to start dating.

After buying a house and adding a dog to their family, Braden decided to propose to his love.

Though it was winter, he wanted to ask the crucial question on a raised area in the back of

Hair stylist/Makeup Hudson Hair Salon Invitations Have & Hold Design - Samantha Dubeau Florist Tanya List Design & Floral Rentals Lucy Myers Events Photographer Visual Roots Photography – Kate Gass & Andrew Essig Table/guest favours Donation to Hospice Huntsville Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: Kate Spade pearl earrings & bangles Groomsmen: suspenders embroidered with initials, ties & tie clips

their home’s large property. The plan involved more than a little snow shovelling.

“He was going to propose one Sunday, but it was Super Bowl Sunday and I had to work,” said Ashleigh. “I found out later he had already dug a path through very deep snow to the back property. Three days later, a massive snowstorm buried it. He was out there at night shovelling it again while I was working. The shop behind our house hid the path. The next Sunday, we walked out there and he proposed.

A bottle of champagne was in the snowbank. “ Guests were shuttled across the road from the church to the barn for cocktail hour featuring champagne and appetizers. The bride and groom arrived in style in a Rolls Royce convertible rented from the venue. For dinner, caterer Tall Trees Restaurant served a plated meal to the head table and a delectable buffet for guests that included prime rib, salmon, seasoned vegetables and potatoes.

“Tall Trees was fantastic,” said Ashleigh.

“Their food was great and the timing was perfect. Between them and Lucy Myers, everything was great.”

After dinner, the bride and groom delivered heart-felt speeches before inviting everyone to join them outside at the scotch and cigar bar.

“We had scotch, specialty coffees, Baileys and Tequila Rose plus cheese, crackers and little tarts from Tall Trees,” said Ashleigh.

“Cigar smokers had a choice of a big stogie or a cigarillo. After a big dinner, it was nice for people to move around and get some fresh air.

They could sit and relax in the outdoor lounge.

Our band, The Clearing, started playing and guests slowly migrated back into the barn. The weather was nice, so the barn doors were left open. We couldn’t have asked for a better June day.”

Guests’ favours were donations to Hospice Huntsville. Ashleigh’s father was admitted and thankfully discharged from the Hospice, making the organization dear to the couple’s hearts.

“To have my Dad at our wedding was a big moment for me,” Ashleigh recounted with a smile. “To walk me down the aisle and dance with him was very special.”

The happiness of the day was felt strongly by the couple in a quiet moment during the reception.

“At one point we went for a walk outside to have a few minutes to ourselves,” said Ashleigh.

“Hearing the music and laughter inside the barn, we realized everyone was there for us and our day. We needed that minute and take it in. It goes by so fast. We couldn’t have asked for anything to go better, and are so grateful for our friends and family.”

9

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Wedding trends 73

Lindsay & Chris April 17, 2016

Beach Bride & Groom

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Megan Ewing, ME Creative

74 Wedding trends 2017

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Taylor’s Jewellers – Deanna Downing Dress shop Superior Bridal, Markham

Tux shop/men’s shop Moores

Honeymoon, travel agent Carolyn Kremer at Vision Travel, Alliston Caterer The Jewel Runaway Bay (Jamaica) Taste – Dave Knox (Gibson Centre, Alliston) Church/hall The Jewel Runaway Bay Music/DJ Steel drum musician and DJ from The Jewel Runaway Bay (Jamaica) DJ MasterMix – Michael Roberts (Gibson Centre, Alliston) Hair stylist/makeup Hair: Bride’s sister Tracy Makeup: Bride’s sister Carrie

With spring in Canada being notoriously unreliable when it comes to warm temperatures, an Ontario bride and groom chose a Carribean destination wedding to guarantee balmy nuptials for their April nuptial.

A

lliston residents Lindsay Reynolds and Chris Warrington planned a seaside ceremony followed by a beach party at The Jewel Runaway Bay Beach and Golf Resort in Jamaica. The celebration would start a week long beach vacation for the newlyweds and their 33 family members and friends who attended.

“It took almost a year of looking at different resorts before I found The Jewel,” recalls Lindsay. “We liked that this resort was small enough to easily be able to find our friends and family. It also has a beautiful beach. Since we both love being by the water and wanted

to be married on the beach, that was a huge factor. We had always wanted to go to Jamaica.

We chose April 17, 2016 because it had no other significance for us and we could make it our own special day.”

Lindsay and Chris knew each other thorough mutual friends in high school, but didn’t date until they reconnected while working at a glass company in Alliston.

Friendship led to dating, and dating led to an engagement.

“Christopher is kind of a jokester,” said Lindsay. “He proposed to me with a key chain ring. I said, you’re kidding, right? He promised

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Glass bottles with their names and sand from the beach inside.

Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: pearl Pandora earrings – Taylor’s Jewellers Flower girls: flower Pandora earrings – Taylor’s Jewellers

2017

Wedding trends 75

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to get me a real ring later. On New Year’s Eve morning, he woke me up with my favorite breakfast from McDonald’s and a dozen roses.

After we took our two dogs for a walk, he proposed to me at home with the real ring. I had to ask if it was real. Chris knew what kind of ring I wanted and had it custom made. His step-Dad’s friend who was a jeweller, did it as a favour to Chris. He had the ring for quite a while waiting for the right moment.”

Under an arch gilded with flowers and with ocean swells as a backdrop, Lindsay, carrying a bouquet of white and Tiffany blue roses and Tiffany orchids, walked down the aisle to the sound of steel drum music. Lindsay’s older sister Carrie Nicholson was Matron of Honour and bridesmaids included the bride’s younger sister Tracy Reynolds, Chris’ sister Lorianne Warrington and friends Sarah Fulton and Stephanie Campbell, The groom’s friend James Cubello stood beside him as Best Man. Nieces Ayla and Mia Nicholson charmed everyone as adorable flower girls.

After a cocktail hour, the beach party continued under sunny skies with a plated dinner during sunset. The couple had been slightly worried since distance meant they couldn’t try the food to be served at their wedding, but there was no need to worry.

“It was all delicious,” said Lindsay. “We had chicken breast with a white wine cream sauce, mashed potatoes, Caesar salad and veggies with banana bread pudding for dessert.”

During the reception, the DJ played a crowd-pleasing variety of music that kept the portable dance floor full all night. The next day, the bride and groom met with photographer Megan Ewing of ME Creative for a trash the dress session in the sea.

“Megan was amazing,” said Lindsay. “We started by taking pictures on the beach and moved onto a very cool old concrete pier.

Those pictures are my favourites. Then we slowly got into the water. I thought it was going to be hard, but once my dress was all wet, it was weightless.”

With a reception planned for the Gibson Centre in Alliston for their grandparents and other family and friends who couldn’t come to Jamaica, Lindsay needed to wear her wedding gown again. De-trashing the dress required a through vacuuming to get all the sand out, a shower and being hung over the balcony to dry. The dress survived and so did the groom’s shirt and pants. The couple looked great as they and the wedding party arrived at the Alliston reception in their wedding wear, ready to party again.

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Wedding trends 77

Danielle &Bretton August 20, 2016

A Rustic Country Wedding

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Lexy Parks Photography

78 Wedding trends 2017

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The bride wanted a country wedding. The groom wanted to be married close to water. Happily, Danielle King and Bretton Matthews found both at Celtic Roots Equestrian Farm on the shores of Georgian Bay.

A

s a bonus, the couple found they could have their entire wedding designed and coordinated by on site organizers Gavin and Cady of Georgian Roots Events.

“This beautiful location was absolutely perfect,” said Danielle, who with her husband is currently a university student in London, Ontario. “The farm has many broad open fields.

It was pure bliss.”

Engagement happened quickly for the young couple, coming less than two months after their first date. However, they had solid role models for the decision. Bretton’s parents Mark and Casey Matthews married at 25 and 22 years old respectively, and Danielle’s parents Peter and Dale King tied the knot at 20-years-old. Both couples are still happily married.

“I think when you come from families like ours, you know that when you’ve met the person you’re meant to spend the rest of your life with, you just know,” said Danielle. “One evening in March, Brett got down on one knee under a street lamp and spontaneously proposed. He gave me a ring in April at Discovery Harbour. We grew up on Georgian Bay and the water is very meaningful to us. My wedding ring is my Mom’s 25-year-old platinum eternity ring that my Dad gave to her.”

Innovative invitations were created from real birch bark covered with a printed transparency and tied with a gold bow. On August 20, 2016, the couple’s 105 wedding guests arrived in very warm weather for the outdoor waterfront ceremony. Georgian Roots designed faux church windows from twigs and vines to encircle the outdoor space decorated with simple wooden buckets tied with teal ribbon and holding baby’s breath. The wedding party included the groom’s brother Colby, the bride’s brother Erik, and Danielle’s nieces Makinley King and Kalina King as flower girls. Danielle walked down the aisle to “Beyond”, a Celtic instrumental.

“This was sentimental for me because my

great grandfather was from Ireland and I wanted to include part of my heritage in the ceremony,” explained the bride.

The couple’s photographer Lexy Parks flew to Ontario from her home in British Columbia to photograph every aspect of their wedding day.

“Lexy was absolutely phenomenal,” said Danielle. “She is so talented. My wedding planner knows Lexy and helped arrange our connection with her. I’ve had so many compliments about our photos. Lexy is an artist and very creative.”

The reception tent reflected the day’s theme of rustic elegance and a California bohemian feel with chandeliers, a huge dance floor and centrepieces filled with fresh dahlias and green parvifolia. Guests enjoyed a country buffet with chicken, ribs, corn on the cob and four types of salad. For guests with a sweet tooth, a chocolate bar featured 20 types of handmade chocolates by Leslie Tripp. Leslie also created table favours using the couple’s favourite candies, Smarties and Oreoes, in a white chocolate bark. A cookie bar was stocked with treats made from favourite recipes from both families including Danielle’s grandmother’s legendary oatmeal cookies. Late night appetites were sated the arrival of pizzas from Pizza Delight.

To give guests a place for quiet conversation, Georgian Roots created a lounge area hidden in the field’s tall grass. Fairy lights hanging from a lofty tree softly illuminated a gold couch. The bride and groom came to the lounge during the reception for a private moment to reflect on the day.

“It was the first time we were alone as husband and wife,” recalled Danielle. “We had a chance to talk about everything that had happened that day.”

A few days after their wedding, Bretton surprised his bride with a honeymoon to the Majestic Colonial Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Bride: Peoples Jewellers Groom: Corona Jewellery

Dress shop Sew Stylish Wedding Works, Ingersoll Tux shop/Men’s shop Collins Formal Wear, Barrie

Honeymoon/travel agent Terri’s Travel & Cruise Centre, Midland Caterer E.L.M. Catering, LaFontaine Church/hall Celtic Roots Equestrian Farm, LaFontaine Wedding coordinator Georgian Roots Events Music/DJ Chris Evans Hair stylist/Makeup Hair stylist: Christina Wood-Horton of Dayden Salon, Midland Invitations Handmade with birch bark and card stock Florist Fresh by Leanne, Midland Paula at Mountainview Nursery Rentals Happenings Party Rentals, Collingwood Photographer Lexy Parks Photography, British Columbia Table/guest favours Homemade Smarties and Oreo Bark by Leslie Tripp Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: earrings, personalized robes, handmade bath salts by Georgian Roots Groomsmen: green/yellow dress socks for groom’s parents’ bike shop; personalized flasks, custom bicycle chain cufflinks Bride’s father and brother: dress socks and Irish cuff links Total cost of wedding $25,000

2017

Wedding trends 79

Ashleigh & Jeff July 18, 2015

Winter Wonderland Wedding

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Holly Bodkin, Hipnotik Photography

80 Wedding trends 2017

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When planning their winter wedding, Ashleigh Wilson and Jeff Morris wanted a venue where they could have their ceremony and reception as well as accommodate guests from Arizona, Colorado, West Virginia, Florida, Massachusetts, Alberta and northern Ontario.

I

n other words, it had to be a place where everyone could park their cars for the weekend, and have fun. The solution for the Orillia couple turned out to be very close by Casino Rama.

“We realized the Casino had a hotel, spaces for the ceremony and the reception, and lots of places to take our photos,” said Ashleigh, who married her love on February 20, 2016.

“Many of our 178 guests came up on Friday and enjoyed Casino Rama’s good restaurants, the spa, pool, live shows and the casino itself.”

Ashleigh and Jeff met about ten years ago, but the exact date is unknown. With mutual friends, involvement in family businesses and a common fondness for boating and waterskiing, they kept crossing paths for a while before starting to date.

“It is no secret that I had a crush on Jeff for years prior to us becoming a couple,” recalls Ashleigh. “I remember saying to a friend that I imagined spending my life with him. Little did I know that things would actually turn out that way.”

The couple became engaged almost exactly a year before the wedding in what is normally

not a romantic location – the parking lot of a ski hill. Jeff had asked Ashleigh to go skiing one Tuesday evening with an ulterior motive.

“When we got there, the hill looked dark and appeared to be closed,” said Ashleigh. “Jeff said ‘Grab something for me out of the glove box and we’ll go home’. I opened the glove box and the ring was there! Jeff had a file on his phone of comments I made during the year about rings I liked. He had the ring custom made and the day it arrived was the day he proposed.” As it turns out, Ashleigh’s Dad had proposed to her Mom in a very similar way.

As they are very active in the summertime and love days on the water, Ashleigh and Jeff decided on a winter wedding to ensure they and their friends didn’t miss any sunny days on the lake.

To personalize their ceremony in the beautiful Anishinaabe Ballroom, the couple wrote their own vows. Ashleigh embedded treasured jewellery from her late grandparents in her bouquet of Alabaster Garden roses, white hydrangea and white ranunculus with snowflake embellishments.

“In my bouquet, I had the first ring that my

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Bill Shaw, W.J. Shaw Jewellers, Orillia

Dress shop Bride: Monique Lhuillier gown from White, Toronto Bridesmaids: Avenue 22 Bridal, Toronto Flower girl: Say Yes bridal Gallery, Orillia Tux shop/Men’s shop Collins Formal Wear, Barrie Honeymoon/travel agent Gansevoort Turks + Caicos Caterer Casino Rama Church/hall Casino Rama Music/DJ The Handy DJ, Orillia Hair stylist/Makeup Cavana Salon + Spa, Orillia Invitations Invitations by Dawn (online) Florist Street’s Flower Shop, Orillia Rentals Tiffany Party Rentals, Barrie Photographer Holly Bodkin, Hipnotik Photography Videographer In the Moment Productions

Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: Tiffany’s necklace, fur stole Groomsmen: gambling money, special socks Total cost of wedding Priceless

2017

Wedding trends 81

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82 Wedding trends 2017

maternal grandfather gave to my grandma and a necklace with a diamond from one of my paternal grandmother’s rings,” Ashleigh explained. “By having their jewellery in my bouquet, I had pieces of them with me that day.”

Prior to the ceremony, Ashleigh and her mother dressed in their wedding outfits to give the bride’s father an emotional ‘first look’.

Her father’s look of delighted surprise became a favourite part of the bride’s wedding day.

The couple’s fondest memory was born when the officiant called them husband and wife for the first time. However, they also enjoyed seeing their little ring bearer drive off from the ceremony in a Power Wheels Corvette that was a replica of the groom’s vehicle.

“He was as good a driver for a 2 ½ year old as he could be,” laughed Ashleigh.

With Winter Wonderland as her theme, the bride chose a colour scheme of white and silver with touches of navy blue. After meeting with Casino event coordinators Rowie Jacobs, Patti Molnar and Melanie Montroy, the couple knew their wedding would be in good hands. “ I can’t say enough about the crew at the Casino,” said Ashleigh. “Any request we had, even at the last minute, was facilitated without a hitch.” A delicious plated meal of chicken supreme or prime rib was punctuated by memorable speeches from both sets of parents, siblings and friends. Later in the evening, guests could choose from snacks of sliders and poutine.

“I loved the speeches,” said Ashleigh. “They were funny and emotional – everything you would want them to be. But I also loved our first dance and the dance with my Dad. The photo booth was a riot and we got to keep a copy of all the photos. During the evening, a friend went around with a tray of glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark jewellery for the guests. It was so nice that a friend went out of their way to surprise us and take it to the next level.”

The first dance for the bride and groom was to “Give It All We Got Tonight” by George Strait. That song was a sentimental choice by the newlyweds. Years before they were engaged, Jeff said it would be a great song for a first dance when the time came. That prediction proved to be true.

The couple set up a lounge area near the bar with comfortable couches for their guests to enjoy a break from dancing to socialize or to get reacquainted with people they had not seen for a while. After a break, the party was waiting for them.

“The DJ kept everything up beat and fun to ensure everyone had a great time,” said Ashleigh. “We truly wanted our wedding to be a party that everyone could enjoy and come out saying ‘we danced all night’. That is absolutely what happened.”

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Melissa & Joel September 12, 2015

A Family Affair

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Lindsay Elvy, LME Photography

2017

Wedding trends 83

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Engagement ring: P.D. Murphys, Parry Sound Bands: Mappins, Barrie Dress shop Helen’s Bridal, Barrie

Tux shop/Men’s shop Moores, Barrie Honeymoon/travel agent Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun, Mexico CAA Parry Sound – Carrie Carlton Caterer Seguin Valley Golf Club Church/hall Seguin Valley Golf Club Music/DJ Dave Tucci, Encore DJ Entertainment

With five out of eleven bridal party members related to the bride or groom and 120 of 140 of the wedding guests being relatives, it’s safe to say Melissa Higman and Joel Profit’s wedding day on September 12, 2015 was a family affair.

E

ven the happy couple’s beloved dog Ellie, an adorable German shepherd/ border collie mix, attended as a furry flower girl in a wreath of white flowers tied with lace.

“When I remember our wedding day, I always think about Ellie,” recalls Melissa who married husband Joel at Seguin Valley Golf Club in Parry Sound. “When we were up at the front saying our vows, she was trying to get our attention by walking around and crying.

Everyone was looking at us, wondering what is this dog doing? They just loved her. She was sitting up front with Joel’s parents. Sadly, she has passed away since the wedding.”

It wasn’t family ties but Melissa’s skill as a hairstylist that brought these families together to celebrate. Though they went to the same 84 Wedding trends 2017

high school in Parry Sound, Melissa and Joel did not meet until 2011 when Joel walked into the shop where she worked, looking for a haircut.

“I ended up cutting his hair and listening to his jokes,” Melissa says with a smile. “I swear it was love at first laugh. After work, I went to my best friend Kara’s place and asked if she would like to see a photo of my ‘future husband’. Joel didn’t catch my name so he came back to the salon a few times, but always on my day off.

Little did I know that five years later, my little prediction would come true.”

Avid fisherman Joel used the excuse of wanting to see where muskies were spawning to lure Melissa to the place where he wanted to propose. On a cold May day, Joel suggested

Hair stylist/Makeup a la mode salon, Parry Sound Invitations Vistaprint Florist Pardon My Garden, Parry Sound Rentals Muskoka Party Rentals Photographer LME Photography – Lindsay Elvy, Parry Sound Videographer Meg Wallace Photography Table/guest favours Coolie cups, Etsy Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: silver ball earrings and bracelets on Etsy Groomsmen: engraved knives, Canadian Tire; flasks, Amazon Total cost of wedding $18,000

they walk Ellie down to Blair’s Creek, near the couple’s home in Nobel. When they reached the creek’s shoreline, Joel proposed.

“I had planned it for about six months,” said Joel, who works for the Town of Parry Sound.

“I got permission from both her Dad and Mom and swore them to secrecy. When she turned around, I was down on one knee. It was a pretty cool moment.”

“But my Dad almost ruined it because he kept asking does she know?” laughed Melissa.

“My Mom put a kibosh to that!”

Stylist Melissa became a customer at the salon on her wedding day along with her maid of honour and bridesmaids. “I’m so close to those girls in the shop that I didn’t have any nerves,” said Melissa. “It was just another day at work. They had another wedding party after us. Then, they left to attend my wedding.”

The couple’s wedding day was cool but brilliantly sunny as guests were invited to ‘pick a seat, not a side’ in rows of white chairs on the Club’s lawn. Pails of daisies and purple flowers lined the aisle. Joel walked his mother to her seat and joined his groomsmen who sported purple plaid socks with their light grey three-piece suits. Bridesmaids in flowing strapless dark plum and lavender gowns were followed by flower girls carrying the sign “Here Comes the Catch of Your Lifetime” for the fisherman groom. Melissa, in a lace Mikaella gown with beaded straps and cathedral veil, walked down the aisle with her Mom and Dad. The couple, who wrote their own vows, were surprised after the ‘I Dos” with a shower of pennies for luck from Joel’s grandfather.

They walked back down the aisle with tailwagging flower dog Ellie.

After a sociable cocktail hour with hors d’eouvres on the patio, guests were served dinner in the Club’s log-walled Whispering Woods dining room. The bride made centrepiece vases of fresh lavender. A sweetheart dining table for the bride and groom with a lantern centrepiece sat in front of the room’s stone fireplace. Melissa loved that the dance floor was packed all night thanks to DJ Dave Tucci of Encore DJ Entertainment.

“Joel’s grandma and grandpa requested one very old song from our DJ,” she said. “He had it and they busted out a waltz to it.”

The bride’s grandmother, Emmaline Madigan, created the couple’s white fondant frosted wedding cake. Emmaline is well known as the last keeper of the Point Au Baril Lighthouse where she runs a local bakery.

She raised her six children in the lighthouse, including Melissa’s Mom. The cake topper saying ‘Best day Ever – 09.12.15’ reflected the day.

Melissa and Joel relaxed on a minimoon to Quebec City after the wedding and hit the beach for a honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico in January 2016.

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2017

Wedding trends 85

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86 Wedding trends 2017

To learn more about Town of Huntsville venues contact Sales Manager Greg Pilling greg.pilling@huntsville.ca 705-789-6421 x 3027

Raquel & Ryan July 16, 2016

Summer Wedding at Bond Head

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Kristin Peereboom Photography

2017

Wedding trends 87

Details

Dress shop Lina at L & J Bridal Boutique, Brampton Caterer The Club at Bond Head

In the summer of 2010, Raquel Gertzbein and her friend and future Maid of Honour Natalia Figura were buying supplies at the Alliston Wal-Mart for the upcoming long weekend. The girls bumped into Ryan Maltais and his friend preparing for their annual canoe trip. Introductions were made, laughs were had and they went their separate ways.

“I

told Natalia I thought Ryan and cute, and Ryan texted her asking for my number,” recalls Raquel of the day she met the man who became her spouse on July 16, 2016.

“We double dated with Natalia and one of Ryan’s best friends, Guy Gagnon, who was also in our wedding party. After a few dates, it was clear we couldn’t be without one another.”

Five years later at a baseball game in Beeton, Ryan invited Raquel to come onto the field and throw a pitch to his brother Matt at the plate. Though it was a good pitch, Matt merely bunted the ball. Puzzled, Raquel turned around to give the glove back to Ryan. He was on one knee holding out an engagement ring to his

88 Wedding trends 2017

Church/hall The Club at Bond Head Music/DJ DJ Master Mix – Michael Roberts Hair stylist/Makeup Hair: Studio Magnolia – owner Traci Maidich, Angus Invitations Party Magic, Bolton

sweetheart as his parents, Raquel’s Mom and excited friends looked on. After looking at local venues for their wedding ceremony and reception, the couple chose the Club at Bond Head.

“The staff explained everything very well and answered all our questions,” said Raquel.

“They were accommodating and worked with our budget to give us what we wanted.

The property is so beautiful with all its trees, greenery and open space. The lovely red brick building has stone patios and the large windows in the ballroom let in lots of natural light. It suited our rustic chic décor of natural wood, candles, light colours and flowers.”

Florist Mid Valley Gardens, Bradford Rentals Pearl Décor and Events – Candice Cole Photographer Kristin Peereboom Photography Total cost of wedding $28,000

tables were adorned with candles set in lace-circled mason jars on wooden bases cut and finished by Raquel’s Dad.

Raquel and Ryan’s wedding day dawned sunny and beautiful, and continued to be perfect into the evening. Paper hearts on dowels lined the aisle to the ceremony gazebo.

Inside the Club, chalkboard signs welcomed their 160 guests and directed them to the ceremony and reception sites. The couple’s 14 member wedding party included Ryan’s brother Matthew as Best Man, Matthew’s wife Rhonda as bridesmaid and Natalia Figura as Maid of Honour. Young cousins Peyton and James De Rosa were ring bearer and flower girl. Dressed in a mermaid style gown by favourite designer Lazaro, Raquel looked forward to walking down the aisle and seeing her groom.

“I thought I would be nervous but when I walked down the aisle and saw Ryan, I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so much,” Raquel recalled fondly. “When my Dad gave me away, Ryan said I looked beautiful. Unknown to us, his microphone was on. His words caused some tears among our guests. Our pastor was Roelof Peereboom, husband of our amazing photographer Kristin.”

At the reception, tables were adorned with candles set in lace-circled mason jars on wooden bases cut and finished by Raquel’s Dad. Guests dined on salad and pasta, a meal celebrating the Italian heritage of the bride’s family. The newlyweds chose to have a naked – icing-free – chocolate wedding cake decorated with real flowers and powdered sugar. “It sounds weird, but it looked great,” said Raquel.

During the reception, two of Ryan’s uncles played the song for the mother and son dance with one, Uncle Ralph, also providing the vocals. Music selected by DJ Michael Roberts of DJ Master Mix was popular with dancers of all ages. Between dances, guests grabbed props and posed in the photo booth.

Raquel and Ryans’ fabulous wedding day was followed by a surprise for the bride - a honeymoon road trip to historical Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and a relaxing stay at Virginia Beach.

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Wedding trends 89

Sarah & Blake July 16, 2016

Hearts AND Hockey

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Mango Studios

90 Wedding trends 2017

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2017

Wedding trends 91

Details

The couple stood under an arch of

Jewellery/ring designer Bride: Tello Jewellers – custom made Groom: David Yurman

garden roses and birch made by Seasons in the Country, a company in Blake’s hometown of Bracebridge.

Dress shop Kleinfeld at Hudson’s Bay, Toronto Tux shop/Men’s shop 4 Men United, Vaughan

Honeymoon/travel agent Las Vegas minimoon Caterer Bigwin Island Golf Club Wedding Cake: Cakes By Design, Barrie Church/hall Bigwin Island Golf Club Music/DJ The Digs Events, Toronto

Planning an Ontario wedding while living overseas is what any brideto-be would call a challenge. However, Sarah Moyer met that challenge with unquestioned success.

P

lanning their wedding from Croatia where fiancé and professional hockey player Blake Parlett plays with the Zagreb team of the Kontinental Hockey League involved many moving parts. She loved every second of it.

“After we chose July 16, 2016 as our date, I contacted vendors to set up meetings for when I was in Canada,” said Sarah, who started dating Blake when they were teenagers in high school. “Last year, I would come home for a month, go back to Croatia for a month and then fly back home for a month. It was a lot of travel and jet lag. When Blake came home with me in the spring, we got into full force planning.

Some things I could do with photos and FaceTime with Blake, but for things like tastings I wanted him with me. It was not your typical way of planning a wedding.”

Blake’s proposal was untypical as well. After the hockey season, the couple stole four days for a Bahamas vacation. On their last night at 92 Wedding trends 2017

the Atlantis Resort, Blake suggested they take a walk on the beach in the tranquil evening.

“Suddenly, he dropped to one knee by the water,” recalls Sarah with a smile. “It was just the two of us so it was private and quiet. I was surprised and over the moon! He had my ring made for me. It’s a magical memory we’ll never forget.”

The pair had a long distance relationship from the beginning. They met through mutual friends when Blake was attending high school in Bracebridge and playing for the Huntsville Otters. Sarah was a high school student in Brampton. She started dating Blake on weekends while at her family’s cottage on Lake of Bays. Sarah went to university in Guelph while Blake played in the Ontario Hockey League, so the pair travelled to see each other.

Blake later signed a professional two-way contract with the National Hockey League, playing with different teams in many locations over the years.

Hair stylist/Makeup Hair: Jennifer Ainsley Makeup: Aniya Nandy Beauty Wedding day co-ordinator Holly Carney of Holly Matrimony, Muskoka Invitations Paper Impressions Florist Seasons in the Country, Bracebridge Rentals Chairman Mills, Etobicoke Linens: Around the Table Photographer Mango Studios Videographer Honey and Dear Table/guest favours Donations to The Adaptive Canuck ALS Foundation, founded by groom’s sister Brittney Parlett and husband Jeffrey Perreault Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: Tiffany & Co. bracelets, robes from The Paisley Box on Etsy, Kate Spade earrings Groomsmen: leather toiletry bags from Felix Street Studio on Etsy, socks, shot of favourite brand of liquor Total cost of wedding $90,000-$100,000

“There’s been a lot of compromise, but at the end of it all it’s been a really cool adventure,” said Sarah. “We love living in Croatia. We have been to the coast a few times with both sets of parents and it is absolutely stunning. Dubrovnik is magical.”

The duo knew they wanted to marry in Muskoka, a special place for both of them.

The wedding needed to be summertime during the hockey off-season. When they visited the Bigwin Island Golf Club with its history and charm, they knew immediately it was the right place for their special day. With only one wedding scheduled per weekend, their guests could fully enjoy the island property.

Using a romantic theme for their wedding, Sarah chose soft colours, lots of lovely flowers and candlelight for the reception and ceremony décor. Centrepieces featured tall martini-style vases with balls of flowers on top set on a mirror with candles. With many family members and friends coming from as far away as Switzerland and Edmonton, Sarah worked closely with staff at Deerhurst Resort to book accommodation and dinner reservations.

Having worked summers at the resort while in university, Sarah knew their guests would have a great experience. Guests went by bus to Bigwin’s ferry dock and were thrilled to sail to the island for the wedding.

Sarah and Blake’s ceremony was held outdoors in the sunshine on the shores of Lake of Bays. Their 18 member wedding party included flower girl Agnes Hawkins and ring bearers Henry and Walter Hawkins. When the groom saw his bride, it was an emotional moment that brought everyone, including him, to tears. The couple stood under an arch of garden roses and birch made by Seasons in the Country, a company in Blake’s hometown of Bracebridge. After the ceremony, the bridal party boarded the historic S.S. Bigwin for a 45-minute cruise to mingle and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Meanwhile, guests had a cocktail hour on Bigwin’s spacious screened veranda overlooking the lake.

Everyone reunited at the Indianhead Ballroom to watch the newlywed’s first dance before sitting down to an excellent meal spiced with heart felt speeches. Sarah’s cousin and emcee James dedicated and sang a surprise song to the couple before the dance floor filled with guests ready to dance the night away.

After a minimoon in Las Vegas, Blake flew back to Croatia. His bride followed on August 27 with their well-travelled French Bulldog Arnold. When the hockey season is over, the couple plan to have a “Euromoon” in Greece and the Amalfi Coast.

“It was an incredible day and an incredible time,” Sarah said, cherishing the memories.

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2017

Wedding trends 93

Lindsay & Kyle July 16, 2016

Wedding Beneath the Willow

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Megan Ewing, ME Creative

94 Wedding trends 2017

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Bride’s own jewellery Hairpiece: Bittersweet Dress shop The Gown, Newmarket

Tux shop/Men’s shop Moores Honeymoon/travel agent Self-planned trip to Hawaii Music/DJ Wasted Measures Hair stylist/Makeup Hair: Split Enz – Ashley Mcmann and Lauren Findlay Makeup: Meloglow –Melissa Ortins Invitations Designed by Bride (graphic designer)

When Lindsay Ouellette and Kyle McDowell were dating, they decided they would marry beside the Nottawasaga River at the back of Kyle’s parents’ idyllic country property.

T

hough they had the same circle of friends in their small hometown, the duo didn’t date until their college days.

However, their dream came true. The couple married beneath a tall, graceful willow tree gilded with chandeliers and family wedding photos on July 16, 2016 in the McDowell’s backyard. An open-sided tent set up alongside the Nottawasaga River was the party place for their 200 guests.

“At many venues, you have to leave by 1 a.m., but our party was just getting started,” recalls Lindsay, who felt emotional as she walked down the aisle to her brother playing guitar to Elvis’ song “Can’t Help Falling In Love”.

“Christian and Sheila from Totally Covered Event Rentals helped us with absolutely everything we needed from the tent to silverware. They were amazing to work with and local.”

Florist Shakel Greenhouses – Karen Shakel Rentals Totally Covered Rentals Photographer ME Creative – Megan Ewing Table/guest favours Pashminas

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Wedding part gifts Bridesmaids: gift box containing wedding gladiator sandals, engraved Kate Spade bangles, Swarovski drop earrings Groomsmen: bobble head of each groomsmen in their tux, favourite liquor, framed group photo Total cost of wedding $25,000

2017

Wedding trends 95

Every couple deserves lifelong love!

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96 Wedding trends 2017

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Preparation for the wedding included landscaping the ceremony and reception areas on the property to make it easy for guests to move from one area to another. Friends and family generously helped out, as they did for so many parts of Lindsay and Kyle’s day.

“Our parents, siblings and family friends put in wooden framed stairs leading to the ceremony site and reception area,” said Lindsay. “My Mom, who is a flight attendant, brought small glass candle votives from Beijing that we hung in the trees. At night, we saw all these little candles floating in the air. My uncle made café lights to illuminate the whole area for the reception. We really couldn’t have pulled off this wedding without so much help from everyone.”

At the sunny ceremony, 14 siblings and friends stood by the bride and groom as their wedding party. Lindsay’s sister Carryn Ouellette was Maid of Honour, and Kyle’s brother Scott was one of his seven Best Men. Décor for the reception was kept simple to let the scenery take centre stage.

Centrepieces were created from a collection of various vases with candles. Table numbers were set in silver frames. Glass charger plates at every setting added to the sparkle.

Guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet before gathering outside of the tent beneath the willow tree’s twinkling lights at the live edge bar. The bar was built by Lindsay’s Dad, Kyle and his Mom for post-dining lounging and chatting.

Lindsay’s brother’s cover band Wasted Measures kept the crowd on their feet long into the wee hours.

“My brother and his band took care of the music for us, playing some covers and classics,” Lindsay said. “They were such a hit! I wanted him to enjoy himself too, but everyone loved them so much that they ended up playing the majority of the wedding and didn’t mind. It was fantastic and so memorable. As well as the live music, we created a playlist that we simply plugged into the band equipment.”

Family also was involved with the couple’s wedding cake. Lindsay’s Mom baked the naked vanilla cake skimmed with buttercream icing and decorated with sparkling jewel-centered gum paste flowers. The most important thing to the grateful couple was how everyone came together to help them and create beautiful memories of their wedding day.

“Walking down the aisle was memorable because Kyle and I were both in tears,” recalls Lindsay. “Dancing with my Dad was special and, again, there were lots of tears. It was a very emotional day. I didn’t think it would be, but it was.”

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Mikayla & Joseph September 13, 2015

Saying I Do on the Dock

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Melinda and Keith Photography

2017

Wedding trends 97

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Bride: Michael Hill Groom: Tungsten band in silver and charcoal Dress shop Michelle My Belle Bridal Boutique, Waterdown Tux shop/Men’s shop Tip Top Taylors Honeymoon/travel agent Self-booked Valentin Imperial Maya, Riviera Maya Caterer Clevelands House Church/hall Clevelands House Officiant All Seasons Wedding Officiants Music/DJ Bob Hawkins Professional Disc Jockey, Newmarket

The day before Mikayla Smith and Joseph Parro’s wedding on September 13, 2015, the weather in Muskoka was beautiful.

The day after was stunning.

H

owever, their special day drew the overcast and rainy card. However, a little precipitation did nothing to dampen the spirits of the jubilant couple and their 90 delighted guests at venerable Clevelands House in Minett.

With a dockside wedding ceremony planned, the couple and their 11-member wedding party including the bride’s sister and Maid of Honour Marlee, the groom’s best friend and Best Man Matt, and bride’s Granny and special bridesmaid Valerie, took a rain delay of ten minutes. The bride and bridesmaids made it down the aisle before drops started falling again. Without missing a beat, a bridesmaid and groomsman picked up umbrellas and passed them out to the guests on the dock. The bride and groom exchanged touching personally98 Wedding trends 2017

written vows and became husband and wife with lovely Lake Rosseau behind them and a crowd of smiling friends and family beneath umbrellas before them.

“We have a cute picture of our best man holding an umbrella over top of us during the ceremony,” said Mikayla with a smile. “We didn’t even notice it until we went through the photos.”

Clevelands House was an easy choice of venue for the couple. Mikayla grew up spending weekends at her family’s cottage down the road from the resort and lived there with her grandparents while working at the Lake Joseph Club in Port Sandfield. Before the ceremony, the bride and bridesmaids got ready at her grandparents’ home while the guys prepped their looks at Cleves.

Hair stylist/Makeup Glamour on the Go – owner Jen Beaudet Invitations Template from Etsy Florist 19 Melrose Flower Studio, Barrie Photographer Melinda and Keith Photography, Montreal Table/guest favours Jars of local honey from friend & beekeeper James Murray Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: wedding day necklace, earrings, bracelet with diamonds & pearls; bottle of champagne Groomsmen: personalized folding seat with cooler bag, bottle of whiskey Total cost of wedding $19,000

Wedding guest Bill Van Allen played a major role in bringing the couple together. Mikayla and Joseph both attended Georgian College for the Police Foundations program, but he graduated as she was enrolling. After Mikayla graduated, they both volunteered to teach and mark students’ arrest scenarios for teacher Bill Van Allen. The pair kept in touch for three years, becoming friends before going on a first date.

“When we called him our matchmaker in our speech, he stood up and walked to the podium,” recalled Mikayla. “Bill is a retired police officer and brought handcuffs as a joke.

He stepped up and handcuffed us together as we were doing our speech. It was really cute and fit the background of how Joe and I met.”

Guests enjoyed a marche-style dinner with food stations set out on the spacious veranda adjoining the resort’s barnboardaccented dining room. Stations featured sushi, poutine and tacos plus barbeque chicken with vegetables, corn on the cob and baked potatoes. Later in the evening, guests who worked up an appetite dancing could visit a make-your-own nachos station. Much of the simple, rustic décor for the couple’s reception was made or supplied by the bride and groom and their family and friends. Table centrepieces were bouquets of baby’s breath set in mason jars wrapped with twine and a navy or gray ribbon. The jars and tea lights sat on natural wooden discs cut by the bride’s grandfather from a tree on his property. The couple’s wedding favours were small jars of honey from the apiary of friend James Murray, a beekeeper.

The bride’s Aunt Andree supplied another sweet for guests - a one-tiered white wedding cake wrapped in a wreath of baby’s breath and topped by two Muskoka chairs. “My Aunt makes the best cakes, called chocolate mayonnaise cakes, for all of our family birthdays,” said Mikayla. “That’s how I knew our wedding cake would taste really good.”

After the marvellous meal, guests watched the newlyweds come together for their first dance. The bride also danced with her Dad to “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns and Roses, a song chosen by her Dad for its personal meaning to him.

“We didn’t have time to practice, so we just winged it and it worked,” Mikayla said, smiling.

It was important to Mikayla and Joseph that their family and friends have a good time at their wedding, that it be a celebration where everyone could come together. Being able to spend the day with everyone they love was the best part of their special day.

“So many family and friends pitched in and helped that it made things easy for us,” Mikayla said, looking back on their wedding day. “All of our vendors were spectacular. It was a great day all around. A little rain didn’t do us any harm.”

9

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2017

Wedding trends 99

Lesley &Nevin June 6, 2015

A Different Kind of Cottage Wedding

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Heather Douglas Photography

100 Wedding trends 2017

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Wedding trends 101

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Say Yes Diamonds – groomsman Alan Delides

“There is a massive staircase leading down to the

Dress shop That’s My Dress – Maggie Sottero, Brampton

waterfront and the ceremony area is almost surrounded by water,” said Lesley.

Tux shop/men’s shop Moores Honeymoon/travel agent Evan’s Travel for trip to Cuba, Bracebridge Caterer Sherwood Inn Church/hall Sherwood Inn

For couples that love spending summers at the family cottage, an engagement often means a wedding will become part of the family’s history at the lake. But what if you and your beloved are engaged, love Muskoka and neither of your families owns a cottage?

F

or Lesley Swan and Nevin Yachuk, the solution was to find a venue for their ceremony and reception that had the ambience and comfort of a cottage plus the space to accommodate 80 guests. They also wanted their guests to be able to park their cars and attend all the festivities in one place.

Family members and friends were travelling mainly from Sudbury and Toronto, so Muskoka was an excellent halfway point and convenient for the couple who live in Port Sydney.

After diligent research, the couple decided on the Sherwood Inn on Lake Joseph near Port Carling. Besides being the perfect size for their guests, the Inn had the most beautiful lakeside ceremony site of all the venues the couple saw on their tours.

“There is a massive staircase leading down to the waterfront and the ceremony area is almost surrounded by water,” said Lesley. “The Inn is tucked into tall pines and has a great 102 Wedding trends 2017

cottage feel. We also wanted to book the Peerless II tour boat for part of our rehearsal on Friday. The boat picked us up right at the resort and we took a two-hour cruise with the wedding party and any guests who came up that day.”

“Booking Sherwood for our wedding was essentially like having our own cottage because you book the entire Inn,” added Nevin, who married his love on June 6, 2015.

“It has a very relaxed feel. The staff was so helpful and the culinary staff was amazing. I’m a breakfast person and in the morning the chef asked what we wanted and made it. Lesley is gluten intolerant and the chef surprised her with gluten-free waffles.”

Though Lesley and Nevin both grew up in Sudbury, they met far south of there in the Vaughan area. Their introduction was made through close mutual friends, but the pair had never previously crossed paths.

Officiant Scott Homes of Kettle Creek Weddings Music/DJ Keep Them Dancing, Barrie Hair stylist/Makeup The Hudson Salon – Tash and Rhea, Huntsville Invitations Michael’s Florist Lesley’s Aunt Nicky and bridesmaid/cousin Veronica Photographer Heather Douglas Photography Table/guest favours S’mores made at the Inn’s fire pit

9

“The wife of my best friend knew Lesley,” recalled Nevin, “When Lesley and I came south for work and were both single, they decided we should meet. It was weird when we all compared notes.”

While dating Lesley, Nevin often brought his dog Agent to her home in Barrie for walks at Johnson’s Beach. One warm July day, the duo was on the way back from a friend’s baby shower in Toronto and dropped into the park. Standing ankle-deep in the lake, Lesley turned around to find Nevin on one knee in the water. He proposed with a custom made engagement ring made by friend Alan Delides who was to soon be a groomsman.

“We both had ideas and collaborated,” said Nevin. “She loves diamonds, so she loved the ring.”

Despite Muskoka’s reputation for bugs in June, there were no bugs in sight and not a cloud in the sunny sky on Lesley and Nevin’s wedding day. The perfect weather made the waterfront wedding ceremony an even more wonderful experience for everyone.

“I focused on the ceremony because that is what the whole day is about,” Lesley said.

“I worked hard with the officiant to have the songs we wanted and the words that were ‘us’ in our ceremony.”

Lesley’s Aunt Nicky and cousin Veronica, both certified florists, selected white and light blush coloured blooms for the ceremony and reception as well as for bouquets and boutonnieres. The bridesmaids’ black and gray dresses complemented the reception’s neutral black and white décor. The groomsmen were stylish in black suits with a camo pocket square for flair. Agent, chic in a bowtie, was supposed to walk down the aisle with a 3-year-old nephew. When that didn’t work out, the pup happily walked alongside the groom.

A post-ceremony cocktail hour was followed by a superb plated dinner in the Inn’s dining room. Nevin had made a three-tiered wooden stand for the wedding cake and cupcakes that were baked by a friend who runs a cake business. The groom also made the birch log and stick centrepieces that held clustered candles and a tea light. After dinner, guests could join the crowd on the dance floor or go outside to the Inn’s fire pit and create their favours – s’mores!

“We wanted something you could eat or drink as a wedding favour and keep the Muskoka theme,” Lesley explained. “S’mores were something everyone seemed to know how to make.”

The next morning, wedding guests in kayaks and paddleboats joined the newlyweds on the dock of their boathouse suite.

“All of a sudden, we were having a dock party,” smiled Nevin. “People were ready to socialize all over again on Sunday. It was lots of fun.”

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Imagine your vows exchanged overlooking a breathtaking lakeside view. Our majestic timber frame clubhouse offers floor to ceiling windows and a field stone fireplace in our dining room and lounge where you can enjoy dinner and then dance the night away. The splendour of the setting is matched only by the highest standards of service. Our Executive Chef offers casual or sophisticated menu selections using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients.

The Ridge at Manitou Clubhouse can accommodate groups or weddings of up to 105 people in the main clubhouse. Wedding ceremonies take place outside between the clubhouse and Lake Manitouwabing. If the weather isn’t ideal for an outdoor wedding ceremony we have the option of moving it inside our screened in porch or into the clubhouse.

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Wedding trends 103

Jamie & Robert August 29, 2015

Party on Kempenfelt Bay

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Jennifer Hibberd Photography

104 Wedding trends 2017

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Bride’s ring: Brian Gavin, Houston, Texas Groom’s ring: Charmed, Barrie Dress shop Loved Again Bridal

Tux shop/Men’s shop Moores Honeymoon/travel agent Self-booked Caterer Casal Catering Church/hall Southshore Centre Music/DJ Twilight DJ Service – Matt Williams

Though using an online dating site was not the way Jamie Evans expected to meet a mate, giving the service a try brought her future husband into her life.

“W

e met for a drink on a Friday and spent all Sunday together,” recalled Jamie, who now lives in Barrie with husband Robert MacMillan. “We went go karting, had lunch and then went to a movie. We basically kept adding activities. Rob is someone I would never have met otherwise.”

After arriving in the Dominican Republic with Jamie and her parents for a vacation, Rob scanned the weather reports to find a day with a perfect sunrise for his beachfront proposal to Jamie.

Managing to get his future fiancée out of bed and onto the beach at 6 a.m., Rob got down on one knee and popped the question.

“My parents knew he was going to do this and some of my friends as well,” recalled Jamie. “They were very interested in how my trip was when we got back.”

The couple chose the Southshore Centre in Barrie for their wedding and reception on August 29, 2015. With Jamie’s family living in southern Ontario and Quebec, and Rob’s family in northern Ontario, Barrie was a central

9

Hair stylist/Makeup Glamour on the Go – Jennifer Beaudet Invitations Kit from Michael’s with additions by Jamie’s sister & Maid of Honour Jody and mother Sue Florist Silk flowers by Brenda Najim, best friend of mother of the bride Rentals Weddingdecorator.ca – Carol Tobin Photographer Jennifer Hibberd Photography Table/guest favours Blown glass wine stoppers Wedding party gifts Bridesmaids: hand painted champagne glasses Groomsmen: scotch glasses Total cost of wedding $20,000

2017

Wedding trends 105

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Nestled on the stunning shores of Lake Rosseau, Shamrock is the perfect venue for a cozy, intimate wedding.

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106 Wedding trends 2017

The bride arrived at the Southshore Centre in her Dad’s treasured 1972 Oldsmobile.

location for their 120 guests. It was also a sentimental choice as the city where Jamie and Robert bought their first home. With an amazing view of Kempenfelt Bay and plenty of space, Southshore Centre was a stunning venue that required a minimum of reception décor to take advantage of its stylish features.

“The entire back wall of the hall is windows overlooking the Bay,” said Jamie. “There are windows on the side as well and high ceilings.

Decoration was mainly on the tables. For the centrepieces, a tall vase holding a floating orchid was lit by a light in the rocks on the bottom.”

The bride arrived at the Southshore Centre in her Dad’s treasured 1972 Oldsmobile. The burnt orange vehicle was also featured in photos with the bride and groom.

“When my Dad was leaving with the car, everyone was telling him to do a burnout,” smiles Jamie. “My Mom said he wouldn’t do it, but he did. After the pictures, I think he had a friend drive the car back to the hotel. He doesn’t take this car out in the rain, so the fact that he drove it from Sarnia to Barrie was a big deal.”

After the wedding ceremony, guests sat down for a plated meal followed by a scrumptious dessert buffet. Rob’s cousin Janet, a cake maker, created a small black and white wedding cake for the couple. The exquisite cake had little pearls on the sides, a black ribbon around the bottom and a black fondant bow on top. Janet also made cupcakes filled with caramel cream.

DJ Matt Williams supplied the tunes that brought everyone to the dance floor after a choreographed first dance by the bride and groom to “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran.

The couple had prepared for their rumba with dance lessons.

“We only took five lessons, so it wasn’t like ‘Dancing With the Stars’,” said Jamie with a smile. “He swung me out, we did a dip and he picked me up at the end.”

Jamie and Robert’s wishes for their wedding day were to get married and have a great celebration with all of their friends and family.

Making those wishes come true while staying within their budget was due largely to the generous help from the grateful couple’s friends and family.

The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Greece, visiting Athens for a day before sailing to Santorini and Mykolos.

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Rachel &Frank July 9, 2016

Classic Wedding by the WaterÂ

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Alicia Lawson

2017

Wedding trends 107

“Frank said seeing me walk down the aisle was the highlight of the day for him,” said Rachel.

“It was just the wildest experience,” said Rachel about meeting Frank Giffen, the man she married on July 9, 2016.

“F

rank was the first person to message me on the dating site Plenty of Fish in the summer of 2014. However, due to conflicting schedules we didn’t get together until Labour Day weekend. We had a great evening, saw fireworks at the beach and completely hit it off. For some reason though, I didn’t think Frank was for me. At Thanksgiving, I was picking apples with my parents for the first time. My Mom made a joke about Adam and Eve. I instantly thought of Frank as he is strong in his Christian faith and his family owns a lovely apple orchard in Glen Huron. In that moment, it was like a candle was lit in front of my face.

I text messaged Frank as I was a little shy to call. To my happiness, Frank said he would love to go out with me again. In just a short period

108 Wedding trends 2017

of time, we knew we wanted to be together forever.”

In May 2015, Frank took Rachel to a broadway musical in Toronto and proposed the following day during a quiet walk in a Collingwood park. With a summer wedding in mind, the couple visited local venues close to home. The Bear Estate in Collingwood gave them what they wanted – an outdoor ceremony on the shores of Georgian Bay, and a classic, elegant setting for their reception.

Though the wedding day started with rain, sun was shining on the Bay when the couple’s 100 guests took their seats for the afternoon ceremony. The 11 member wedding party included Frank’s little sister Katie as a bridesmaid and Rachel’s cousins Caleb and

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Bands: D.C. Taylor Engagement ring: D.C. Taylor - designed by Paul the jeweller with Frank's input

Dress shop Helen’s Bridal

Tux shop/Men’s shop Moores

Honeymoon/travel agent Carlsen Wagonlit

Caterer Bear Estate, Collingwood

Wedding Co-ordinator Margo Prevost, Bear Estate's

Venue Bear Estate, Collingwood Ceremony Pastor Tony Denbok

Music/DJ DJ Mastermix - Anthony

Dance instruction Lou's Dancing School, Barrie

Hair stylist/Makeup Shear Studio – Sonya

Invitations Things I Do – Robin MacDonald, Barrie

Florist Cathy’s Flowers & Gift Boutique, Wasaga Beach

Rentals Sunsign & Lollipops

Photographer Alicia Lawson Wedding cake Aarden's Chocolates, Stayner

Wedding favours Aarden's Chocolates, Stayner

Wedding party gifts Bridemaids: Pandora bracelet with angelic feather charm, Maid of Honour: Pandora bracelet, charm and spacer covered in bling Groomsmen: personalized unique flask and cigar Best Man: personalized pen set in classic wooden case

Total cost of wedding $25,000-30,000

Seth as groomsmen.

“My cousins and I grew up together and they are more like brothers to me than cousins,” Rachel said, “It was special to have them, as well as Katie, in the wedding party.”

Bridesmaids were the bride’s sister Katie and dear friend Chantal Spears, and Paige Tupling was the bride’s cherished Maid of Honor. Each bridesmaid carried a sign saying “Here Comes The Bride” to herald Rachel’s arrival. Laura, Frank’s half-sister, did a reading from Corinthians. The Christian wedding ceremony made for a very memorable part of Rachel and Frank’s day.

“Frank said seeing me walk down the aisle was the highlight of the day for him,” said Rachel. “For me, it was arriving at Bear Estate with my parents and the excitement after our ceremony. It was a very surreal experience.”

To commemorate how the couple met, guests were greeted to the cocktail hour with a sign made by Rachel’s mother saying “Two less fish in the sea” and a fishbowl with two goldfish happily swimming. The room abounded with elegant ivory flower displays by Cathy's Flowers, and every table was also classically decorated with tall ivory flower vases.

For dinner, guests chose from a delectable chicken, beef or a vegetarian dinner with crème brule for dessert. Wedding favours were provided by Aarden's Chocolates in Stayner. Rachel chose classic ivory boxes with two bonbons wrapped with ivory ribbon. Gold labels placed under the box's lid said, "Love is Sweet. Thank you for celebrating our special day with us.”

During the reception, guests who wanted the couple to kiss had to ride a scooter around the dance floor to get their wish. "Guests had a lot of fun riding the scooter,” said Rachel. “It created some comical memories and everyone applauded the riders for being such good sports.”

The couple’s wedding co-ordinator Margot Prevost helped put together a delicious pita bar with Rachel and Frank in mind. Yhis late night snack proved very popular with guests.

"My parents, Ron and Kim, were honoured to host our wedding celebration,” Rachel said fondly. “They and Frank's Dad John, supported us every step of the way and with smiles on their faces. It is quite special how our families have become good friends over the course of a very busy year, and we are truly overjoyed with these new relationships.”

For the bride and groom, the smiles on guests' faces and comments from about what a beautiful wedding day celebration it was are very special memories. After the speeches, D.J. Mastermix played various tunes while guests danced the night away or mingled. Most certainly, everyone had a wonderful evening.

9

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Wedding trends 109

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Bryanna & Scott August 6, 2016

Muskoka Wedding at Grandview

By Patti Vipond | Photos by Lucas and Tay Photography

2017

Wedding trends 111

They decided to go with a smaller resort, Grandview, as it felt more personal and welcoming.

Details

Jewellery/ring designer Bride’s ring: Veraggio from Raffi Jewellers, Waterloo Dress shop Sophie’s Gown Shoppe, Kitchener Tux shop/men’s shop Indochino, Toronto Honeymoon/travel agent Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Jamaica Caterer Grandview Golf Club Church/hall Muskoka Room, Grandview Golf Club

Bryanna Helm was born and raised in Kitchener/Waterloo, but spent many childhood summers at a family friend’s cottage near Parry Sound. That experience gave her a fondness for northern Ontario that influenced the bride’s choice of wedding location.

“A

friend of my Mom’s father had a cottage off Rankin Lake Road,” explained Bryanna, who married her love Scott Easton on August 6, 2016. “My Mom spent her summers in the area. When I was 19, Scott’s father bought a cottage near that one.

We chose to get married at Grandview Golf Club in Huntsville because we absolutely love Muskoka in the summer!”

When looking for their Muskoka wedding venue, Bryanna and Scott toured both large and small resorts. They decided to go with a smaller resort, Grandview, as it felt more personal and welcoming. They connected with the site almost immediately, loved the surrounding scenery and were impressed

by Grandview’s wedding coordinator Krystal Pringle.

“Krystal was amazing,” recalled Bryanna.

“She was very calming and helpful, and would answer calls/emails immediately. As soon as she said the Club holds only one wedding per 112 Wedding trends 2017

weekend, I was sold. They gave us access to the reception room on Thursday that allowed us to set everything up so we could relax on Friday and Saturday with our guests. I can’t say enough good things about Grandview.”

Bryanna and Scott met each other in grade 7. Many members of their wedding party are friends they’ve known since middle and high school. However, the bride and groom did not date until university when Bryanna attended Wilfrid Laurier University and Scott was down the road at rival University of Waterloo.

After graduation, Scott was employed as an engineer on Toyota’s international engineering team in San Diego, California. After Bryanna graduated with her second degree, he flew her to join him for what she thought was a graduation celebration in San Diego.

“He had missed my birthday, so he told me he had planned activities all week to make up for it,” recalled Bryanna. “On Saturday night we went to La Jolla, a seaside community in San

Music/DJ Jason Stanton, The Muskoka Touring Company Hair stylist/Makeup Allyssa Helm of Fancy Face Invitations Vistaprint: Designed by bride & groom Florist Jane Marshall Flowers Rentals/Decor Lucy Myers Events Photographer Lucas and Tay Photography Table/guest favours Totally Promotional – beer koozies Total cost of wedding $40,000

Diego with 100 ft. cliffs and a path overlooking the ocean. He proposed along that path. I had no idea it was going to happen.”

Many of their 130 guests arrived on Friday at Deerhurst Resort to move into their accommodations and attend a welcome party hosted by the bride and groom on Friday evening. “Everyone hung out on the patio and it was a beautiful night,” said Bryanna.

The wedding was scheduled on Saturday at 4 p.m. in order to allow guests to have time to relax, have a dip in the lake and enjoy the resort. Prior to the big event, Bryanna had an emotional first-look with her Dad, now a special memory of the day. For their ceremony in the beautiful Muskoka Room, the couple chose a simple décor to let the room’s exposed wood and stone compliment their wedding’s rustic theme. Lanterns and rose petals lined the aisle, and open windows let in sunshine and a welcome breeze.

The ceremony had family ties for the couple with the bride’s uncle as officiant. Family was also represented in the 15 member wedding party with Bryanna’s brother Bronson, Scott’s brother Chris and Bryanna’s cousin’s husband Trey Novotny as groomsmen. On the bride’s side, cousin Heather Novotny and cousin Allyssa Helm were Matron and Maid of Honour, and cousin Jessica Helm and sister-in-law Ashley Doran were also among the seven bridesmaids.

Following the ceremony, guests relaxed at a cocktail hour on the back patio while the wedding party had photos taken. “We had an amazing pair of photographers, Lucas and Tay, to capture our memories from start to finish,” said Bryanna. “I also had a local company, Lucy Myers Events, for my wedding day coordination and decor.”

The reception in the Grand Ball Room started with a plated dinner of salad, followed by goat cheese-stuffed cranberry chicken with mashed potatoes and vegetables for the main. Dessert was a serve yourself cupcake tower and candy bar. Dancing began after dinner, powered by DJ Jason Stanton from The Muskoka Touring Company. Music ranged from old school rock to top 40 tunes. One thing was for certain - the dance floor was always packed.

Guests also visited the photo booth throughout the night and were later treated to late night poutine and pulled pork sliders.

“Honestly, our DJ was amazing,” said the bride. “After he got the party going, he started singing. He sang some classics like “Twist and Shout” live in the middle of the dance flooreveryone was amazed!”

Looking back on their special day, Bryanna and Scott agree that having all their family and friends together was wonderful.

“Everyone grabbed a sparkler on the way out and we partied out of the venue with a hundred sparklers going,” smiles Bryanna.

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Wedding trends 113

Tara & Ronny September 10, 2016

Barefoot on the Beach

By Patti Vipond | Photos by L.B. Photography

114 Wedding trends 2017

9

2017

Wedding trends 115

Details

Jewellery/ring designer The Devil’s Workshop – Sara Wan, Toronto Dress shop Helen’s Bridal Joanne Dorsey – seamstress Tux shop/Men’s shop Scotch & Soda Guests’ accommodation The Little Inn Willow Creek Country Inn

Tara Portelli had completed a year working in Moosonee, Ontario as a paramedic when she got a call from a friend about, Ronny Mosnyk.

H

er friend informed her that Ronny was interested in starting his career as a paramedic in Moosonee, and asked Tara if she could meet with him to talk him out if the venture. The call led to the couple meeting with friends for a drink. The introduction evolved into a friendship and then a close relationship during the next six months.

Five years later, the couple travelled to Colombia to attend a friend’s wedding where Tara was Maid of Honour. Afterwards, they decided to go on an adventure to beautiful Tayrona National Park. Ronny insisted they trek through the jungle to one of the park’s furthest beaches.

“I was mad at him because we kept passing beaches and he wanted us to get to a certain beach,” Tara recalls. “Finally we made it. He set up his camera for timed multiple shot photos. Ronny crouched down, so I thought we were taking a low photo and so I crouched down with him. But he was crouching down to propose. We have it all on camera and it’s quite funny.”

Ronny gave his love a ‘travel’ ring during the proposal, but accompanied her to The Devil’s Workshop in Toronto to make her engagement ring together. For Tara, it is a piece art.

116 Wedding trends 2017

“It is rose gold with pink and purple sapphires,” said Tara. “Ronny’s ring is sterling silver and looks like snakeskin. It’s very different, but it totally suits his personality.”

Being beach lovers, the couple initially thought of a destination wedding in Costa Rica.

However, a drop in the Canadian dollar made an international beach wedding too expensive.

The alternative was a beach wedding closer to home. Tara searched online for ‘local destination beach wedding’ and gorgeous Deer Park Lodge, with its wide sandy beach, appeared. They soon decided the Lodge in Bayfield would be an excellent place for their Barefoot on the Beach wedding on September 10, 2016.

Old surfboards were used as signs to direct their 96 guests to the beach for the ceremony and to the hilltop reception tent. Tara created 60 colourful hand sewn pillows, some of which were used on the beach for guests to sit on during the waterfront wedding. The innovative bride had also made chiffon table runners, pallet tables and flower arrangements for the reception, and her bridal bouquet with assistance from her artistic sister.

“I put lots of blankets and pillows on the beach for our guests, but the weather at

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ceremony time ended up being all over the map.” said Tara, who is still a paramedic and writes a nutrition blog called ‘The Nude Mushroom’. “It rained, then cleared but the wind was strong. Everyone grabbed the pillows and blankets as instructed by the groom to move to the top of the hill, behind the beach to proceed with the ceremony. The guests climbed up and down the 50 stairs several times wondering where on earth this wedding was going to be, as the weather continued to shift back and forth. “We pushed back the ceremony time, the weather cleared and we were able to get married on the beach.

There was an amazing sky, one we wouldn’t have had without the crazy weather.”

Within minutes of guests reaching the reception tent on the top of the hill, a rainbow appeared.

In keeping with the wedding’s beach theme, the reception featured grilled foods and cool taste tempters like gazpacho soup, fish tacos and a variety of salads. The dessert was, naturally, ice cream but on a grand scale. A sundae bar with multiple toppings and ice cream flavours, as well as brownies, was very popular with the guests. After the beach-themed meal, DJ Hennesy of the Bank Night Club in Barrie created a playlist for the occasion; a seamless flow of awesome music, that kept the party going until 3 am.

“I grew up listening to 90s dance music,” said Tara. “I spent the two years of our engagement shazaaming off Sirius radio on my drives. We mixed this with some grunge rock and, of course, reggae to complement the beach theme.”

What mattered most to the newlyweds about their eclectically wonderful day was seeing everyone up dancing, chatting, getting drunk and generally having fun. For Tara, her new husband’s reaction to seeing her at the ceremony became a precious memory.

“In the five years I’ve known Ronny, I have never seen him shed a tear,” Tara recalled fondly. “When I walked down the aisle with my Dad, Ronny was bawling. I didn’t expect that and it was special for me. It felt like we were more connected, like I finally saw all sides of him.”

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Wedding trends 117

n e e u Q F OR A day

Picking a dress: it can be the best but most intimidating part about being a bride. Girls grow up dreaming about the dress they’ll wear and satisfying that dream can be a lot of pressure. One great way to ease the pressure is to know what’s in style when you’re getting married.

BY aliya kanani

2.

No matter the silhouette, lace and appliqué are some beautiful trends this year. Both will give your gown a texture and depth that becomes even more stunning with every step you take down the aisle.

Sophia Tolli from Taylor's Bridal Boutique

1.

A dress with a structured bodice is a true favour to all brides, as it lets you skip the uncomfortable corset underneath, giving the dress all the responsibility of making sure everything is in the right place. With one less layer to worry about, you can take the dance floor by storm.

Sophia Tolli from Sophie's Gown Shoppe

118 Wedding trends 2017

3.

Capped sleeves are a perfect play on modern romance and still let you pick out the perfect, bold statement necklace without having to go completely strapless.

Sophia Tolli from Taylor's Bridal Boutique

O F F THE SHOULDER

6.

4.

The runway trends for spring 2017 indicate that there’s no limit to how deep your neckline can go. It’s provocative yet classy and beautiful all at the same time.

A plunging neckline also pairs perfectly with a large statement necklace.

This laidback look is the solution to brides who aren’t excited about the traditional strapless gown, but still want to show a bit of skin.

Paired with a gorgeous necklace and earrings, this look can go from laidback to luxurious in seconds.

Essense of Australia from Taylor's Bridal Boutique

Casper Necklace from My Necklace

5.

Long, lace-sleeved wedding dresses are the perfect way to make a classic and high-end statement.

Maggie Sottero from Sophie's Gown Shoppe

Once you know what you’re looking for in a dress, Linda Taylor, the owner of Taylor’s Bridal Boutique, recommends that you start shopping early as dresses can take months to arrive and be altered. She also suggests being open-minded and trusting your consultant. Taylor recommends that brides ask a lot of questions before purchasing a gown, including what will be included in the price of the gown, if alterations are done in-house, and what the cost of alterations are.

2017

Wedding trends 119

s d n e r T

yo u r MAIDS w i l l lov e

Take your time and decide how you want the bridesmaid dresses to complement your wedding gown. Find styles that evoke the same feel as your dress, and flatter your maids' figures and tastes!

BY aliya kanani

2.

Treat your maids with some fanciful perfume or sparkly new earrings to wear as they stand up beside you.

1.

What’s not to love about a one-shoulder dress? It’s asymmetrical, it’s different, it shows a bit of skin, but it’s still classy and chic. You get the best parts of a strapless dress and a sleeved dress all at once!

Gown from Taylor's Bridal Boutique

3.

Navy blue is a popular choice because it’s slimming, it works well in spring and summer if it’s paired with the right accent colour, and, of course, it works great in winter as well. It’s the “little black dress” of bridesmaids dresses!

4.

Whether it’s the fabric of the whole dress, a lace applique, or sequin accents, adding some shine to your bridesmaids’ dresses is like adding a touch of glamour to the whole affair.

And what’s a wedding extravaganza without a little bit of glitz and glamour?

Sorella Vita Gowns from Sophie's Gown Shoppe

Be sure to allow your bridesmaids to make their own choices and make sure they feel happy in what they’re wearing. “When you are shopping for bridesmaid dresses, keep in mind that you are working with different personalities and various body shapes and heights. Find a style that will complement each girl individually,” says Linda Taylor of Taylor’s Bridal Boutique.

120 Wedding trends 2017

Find your bridal

Style Colour me be autiful

More brides than ever are trading in the traditional white wedding dress for bolder and brighter alternatives. For those looking to break away from the white without being too bold, champagne and blush are still beautiful options.

p r o n o v i a s b r i d a l g o w n tay lo r ’ s b r i d a l b o u t i q u e

Mismatching bouque ts A new aspect of the mismatching trend is bouquets. Give your bridesmaids a colour scheme and a budget, and let them put together a bouquet that feels right for them and the dress they’ve chosen. It takes a weight off your shoulders and it will be a delight to see what they’ve picked when it all comes together.

S o r e l l a v i ta g o w n s f r o m tay lo r ’ s b r i d a l b o u t i q u e

2017

Wedding trends 121

Groom

Get ting the

X i n vo lv e d

Planning a wedding is a lot of work. That’s why working together can make all the difference

By Jacqueline Kovacs

Y

ou’ve no doubt heard the expression that a wedding is “the bride’s day,” but that old cliché is leaving out an equally important person: the groom. When it comes to wedding planning, grooms are often unfortunately pushed aside.

That, says Bettie Bradley, author of A Major Mistake.

“A lot has changed in the last 30 years,” says Bradley. “These days, 51 percent of couples pay for their own wedding.

Another large percentage divides the cost three ways — the couple and both sets of parents.” So today’s grooms can and should have a larger role to play in wedding plans. Here are some of Bradley’s suggestions to get the guys more involved.

De cide w hat tasks yo u’ll do to ge the r

For some big wedding decisions, it definitely takes two. Anything that is a large budget item, for example, should be decided by both the bride and the groom, says Bradley. “You need to decide together where the service and reception will be,” she says. You also need to set the budget together, decide who will pay for what. “You also need to agree on the guest list,” she adds.

Same with the menu — what will you be serving? Will it be a buffet, sit-down or cocktail style with passed hors d’oeuvres. How much budget will you allocate for that? Plus, think about whether you want a “men’s area” at your reception. “Many modern couples are adding a men’s corner to the reception with such things as beer or brandy,” explains Bradley, “things men tend to like more than women do.” It’s a little touch that can be a nice nod to the fact that weddings are a shared experience.

Any large-budget wedding item, such as the venues for the ceremony and reception, as well as the menu, should be decided by both of you.

122 Wedding trends 2017

Want a “men’s area” at your reception? This could be a corner with beer or brandy — things men tend to like more than women do.

Dreaming of a rustic country weDDing?

G e t o n t h e s ame page Another great experience to share? Believe it or not, registering for gifts. Contrary to stereotypes, says Bradley, a lot of men like to be part of registering. “Go to a big department store together,” she suggests, “walk around and make notes as you go.

Then you can make decisions about what gifts you’d like to register for. It should be fun experience-talk about it together.”

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C o m e u p wi t h his an d h e r ta s ks “Both the bride and the groom should take on sole responsibility for specific areas,” says Bradley. “Try to match those areas to your interests.” Is the groom really into music? Then he might want to handle that for the reception — choosing a DJ or a band, for example, or even a certain set list to be played while guests wait. Similarly, the groom may want to be in charge of organizing the bar, including specialty cocktails or shooters. Is he into photography? Put him in charge or finding just the right photographer or videographer.

And, just like the bride, the groom should be involved in choosing what his attendants will wear and what gifts they will receive.

F ind s o m e ta sk-free tim e to g et h e r Having fun together is particularly important when you’re planning a wedding. Let’s face it, all the work can get stressful. That’s why Bradley advises taking breaks once in a while.

“Go away once a month for a dirty weekend,” she says. “It’s a good reminder that you love each other. Don’t even talk about wedding; talk about the life you’re planning.”

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2017

Wedding trends 123

Sparkle

Champagne and weddings are a perfect match. But how much do you really know about your big day’s significant other? Check out our guide to the world’s most famous bubbles and get ready to celebrate.

with

knowledge

By David White

Champagne is a re gion and a w ine

Champagne is a historic region in northeastern France, best known for the sparkling wines that bear its name. French courts began protecting the name in the mid-19th century as producers in the Loire Valley began advertising their own sparkers as “Champagne.”

These various decisions were affirmed by France’s highest court in 1889 and the region gained international protection in 1891 by the Treaty of Madrid, which created an international system to protect trademarks. The Treaty of Versailles, which brought an end to World War I, reaffirmed international trademark recognition.

The United States didn’t sign the Treaty of Madrid or the Treaty of Versailles, though, which is why U.S. wine producers were able to label their sparklers as “champagne” throughout the 20th century. American trade officials agreed to end the use of “semi-generic” names like Champagne, Burgundy and Sherry in 2005, but producers who were already using those names were grandfathered in.

That’s why Korbel, Cook’s, and André still get away with calling their offerings “California Champagne.” Don’t be fooled — these wines don’t come close to the real thing.

C ha mpag n e h as t hree main grape s More than 99 percent of Champagne’s vineyards are planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier.

Most champagnes are a blend of these three grapes.

Pinot Noir, which accounts for 38 percent of Champagne’s plantings, is credited with providing backbone and structure and offering aromas and flavors of red berries. Pinot Meunier, which accounts for 32 percent of Champagne’s plantings, is credited with rounding out wines by offering moderate acidity, unctuous aromatics, and bright fruit flavours. Chardonnay, which

124 Wedding trends 2017

accounts for 30 percent of Champagne’s plantings, is credited with providing finesses by imparting acidity, floral aromatics, and flavours of green apples, citrus fruits and hazelnuts.

The four other permitted grape varieties — Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris — together account for just 0.3 percent of vineyard plantings. These grapes are curiosities, to be sure, but some of Champagne’s hottest producers have embraced them in recent years — with stunning results.

Toa st M a st er Don’t get burned by wedding reception toasts. Here’s what you need to know.

Wondering who says what and when?

Tradition has it in this order: • the best man toasts the bride • the maid of honour toasts the groom • the father of the bride toasts the couple • other parental figures relwated to the couple also toast the couple • the couple toasts their family and friends If you’re one of the toasters, and are feeling a little tongue-tied, bear these tips in mind: • Get everyone’s attention — tastefully!

Consider standing up, clearing your throat and speaking calmly into the microphone.

• Be kind and polite. Edgy humour can fall flat pretty quickly. Also avoid any references to ex-girlfriends and ex-boyfriends. Focus instead on the couple and how lovely they are.

• Keep it brief. No one wants to hear anyone drone on and on. Keep your toast to two to three minutes — max.

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To start, remove the foil covering — most bottles have a tab to pull. Then, loosen the cage with six counterclockwise twists, but don’t remove it. Once the cage is loosened, be sure to keep one hand holding both the cork and the cage — at this point, the bottle is a loaded weapon.

Next, holding the bottle at an angle of about 45 degrees, slowly rotate the base while tightly holding the cage and cork.

While keeping downward pressure on the cork, begin twisting it, gently, in the opposite direction of the bottle as it starts to loosen.

The cork should come out with a soft sigh.

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Wedding trends 125

Wine

online

With specialty bottles available with a click, and at LCBO boutique stores, planning your wedding bar has never been easier

By Michael Pinkus

B

ack in 2015, the LCBO started opening special country-themed boutiques. These stores-within-a-store carry all the products in the system (LCBO and private order agent) in one location from a particular country.

The problem is you have to go to the store to get them, and they are not available through the new on-line ordering system .

The LCBO allows you to order online for either home delivery (for a fixed delivery charge) or to the store nearest you (for free). Online wine shopping is huge south of the border, both direct from the winery and through various retailers (like Amazon) or wine clubs (like Virgin Wine).

This trend continues to grow as more and more people are becoming comfortable with giving their personal details online — and with shopping without the need for actually handling what they’re buying.

Now granted, it’s not all their products. “Up to 5,000” qualify, but it is a step in the right direction.

A list of specialty stores can be found on HelloLCBO.com (search for ‘Products of the World Specialty Boutiques’) and includes: Greek, Portugal, Spain, Chile, Argentina, Asia, New Zealand, Australia and Kosher wines. Expect more selections to be added in the future.

For wines more readily available, check out these top six Vintages picks below.

Michael Pinkus is a multi-award winning wine writer, past-president of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada and creator of the Grape Guy Events App. You can follow him through his website: MichaelPinkusWineReview.com

Graham Beck 2011 Premier Covee Brut Blanc de Blancs South Africa ($23.95 LCBO#907568) Take advantage of this pure delight for the senses with lemon/lime, mineral, yeasty and refreshingly crisp notes that will have you wondering if it is the real stuff. (¬¬¬¬+)

Diamond Ridge 2014 Chardonnay California ($22.95 LCBO#458794) This is full of Chardonnay goodness and won’t cost an arm and a leg: pineapple, apple purée, hints of lemon drop candy and a creamy mouth-filling texture. (¬¬¬¬)

Domaine Roche-Audran 2012 Cesar Cotes-du-RhoneVillages France ($24.95 LCBO#452243) This gorgeous bottle of wine offers licorice, black cherry, raspberry, vanilla. Plus this wine has depth, balance and flavour. (¬¬¬¬ ½)

Velenosi 2013 Brecciarolo Rosso Picano Superiore Italy ($13.95 LCBO#732560) A multi-layered Italian blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano that delivers blueberry, mocha-cherry, tobacco, plum and so much more for not a lot of dough. Your friends will think you’re spoiling them – but, I won’t tell if you don’t. (¬¬¬¬)

Quinta Nova de Nossa 2011 Senhora do Carmo Colheita Tinto Portugal ($19.95 LCBO#452748) If you haven’t discovered Portuguese table wine yet, then this is a good time. This red-fruited, multi-grape blend is ‘loaded for bear’ (as they say) with great spice and black fruit on the finish. (¬¬¬¬)

Jean Collet & Fils 2014 Montee de Tonnerre Chablis 1er Cru France ($37.95 LCBO#405720) Chablis is known for its crisp, mineral-driven Chardonnays and this one does not disappoint. Plus, there’s lime meringue and crunchy green apple ... plenty to enjoy here. (¬¬¬¬)

126 Wedding trends 2017

Coupes are fun, but poorly designed.

They tend to slosh over, and because they are top-heavy, one tends to hold the bowl, warming the champagne too swiftly.

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Today’s geekiest wine enthusiasts have cleared their cupboards of flutes. These days, they’re drinking champagne out of regular white wine glasses.

The flute gained popularity around 50 years ago as the coupe — the sherbet-style glass folklore claims was molded from Marie Antoinette’s left breast — fell out of favour.

But like the coupe, it’s a terrible vessel for enjoying champagne.

While coupes are fun, they’re designed poorly. Like martini glasses, coupes are prone to slosh over. They’re top-heavy, so one inevitably holds the bowl, thus warming champagne too swiftly.

The flute is just as bad. It was designed purely for aesthetics; although the glass’s slender walls preserve and accentuate champagne’s bubbles, the elongated shape does nothing for champagne’s unique aromas.

No one in the Champagne region uses flutes. In cellars, white wine glasses are the rule. Most restaurants prefer tulip-shaped stems — while slim at the base, these glasses gradually open to a wide bowl that then narrows slightly towards the top.

Flutes are fine for celebratory toasts with trivial sparkling wines and work well with festive, bubbly cocktails like French 75s. Manhattans and many other cocktails are best served in coupes. With real Champagne, though, skip both. Serious wines deserve serious glasses.

David White is the author of But First, Champagne: A Modern Guide to the World’s Favorite Wine. He is a contributor to Grape Collective and the founder and editor of Terroirist.com, one of the world’s most popular wine blogs.

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Wedding trends 127

Cake

h av e yo u r & e at i t to o

ARTI C LE B Y a l i ya k a n a n i

i mag es provi d ed by th e c ake b ox

Trends While the wedding cake is here to stay, white-on-white designs are not. Couples are choosing personalized patterns, from metallic icing, ruffled designs, “painted” fondant, to no icing at all to make their cake a match for their overall theme.

Icing Fondant has been a favourite for what seems like forever, but more brides and grooms are choosing icing and frosting instead. Many couples are also enjoying the “naked cake” phenomenon, where icing sugar and berries are used for decoration instead of frosting or fondant.

Colour Yvonne Zenser, the owner of The Cake Box, says cakes are mostly moving towards neutral tones like blush, cream, and ivory. Yvonne recommends consulting with your baker to discuss colour palettes and working with the florist and decorator.

Dessert Table Dessert tables are still a growing trend, as they offer guests a variety of options to satisfy their sweet tooth. Cake pops, rice krispie pops, macarons, brownies, meringues, and cookies are all top picks for couples looking to complement their wedding cake.

Cake Toppers “Cake toppers are not as popular in the traditional sense,” says Yvonne. Instead of the classical bride and groom, couples are opting for typography based toppers that spell words like “love” or “sweet.”

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128 Wedding trends 2017

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Finding the Right Baker “Look for a professional baker with an established reputation,” says Yvonne. She recommends that couples ask for referrals from previous brides, venues, and other wedding vendors, as well as checking with the local health department. “Working with a trusted and professional baker will provide the bridal couple with peace of mind.”

Budget Yvonne says the most important thing when budgeting is to be realistic . “We have had consultations with bridal couples with small budgets, like $300, who have pictures of cakes that are $2,000. We take their budget and try to design their cake within their budget.”

Timeline “Start consulting with bakers six months in advance,” suggests Yvonne. You don’t have to have all of your decisions made right away, but six months allows you to work through the process of selecting designs, tasting different flavours, and discussing cake table decorations.

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Wedding trends 129

� l a r o l F

TRENDIN G IN

ARTI C LE B Y a l i ya k a n a n i

Timeline Brides and grooms should book their florist one year in advance. To stay up-to-date with current trends, Lynne says that final decisions can be made three to four weeks before the wedding.

Colour While blush, white, and ivory are always floral favourites, this year neutral colours will be paired with colours that add complexity and depth – softer colours like sunset orange and coral are popular, while they can also be paired with deeper, berry-toned blooms.

s pecial events & Flowers | Eli s ha k ph oto g r aphy | Fr e s h Loo k D e s i g n : Event & Wedding Specialist

Head Table Décor Sophia Georgiou, a co-owner of Julia Flowers, says, “A lot of girls are keeping it simple with lit candles and their bouquets from the bridal party. We also do luscious head table arrangements with garlands of flowers going right across.”

Stems With free-flowing floral arrangements also comes the desire for an all-natural look, and so brides are leaving stems be shown rather than all wrapped up. Stems that are left raw can be bound lightly with ribbon or lace.

Boutonnieres Many grooms are choosing berries over blooms this year to liven up their lapel. Snowberries, hypericum berries, tallow berries, or even citrus can be used depending on the colour of the groom’s tie (and season, of course)!

130 Wedding trends 2017

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Bouquets Traditional, tightly bound bouquets are officially on their way out in favour of fuller, flowing flowers and foliage. To add texture to bouquets, long, cascading ribbons of complementary colours are the perfect way to add a wow factor into the arrangement.

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Flowers Lynne Krete, the owner and operator of Special Events & Flowers, says this year is all about big blooms, with cabbage roses, dusty millers, ranunculus, and hydrangeas making their way into many bridal bouquets.

s p e c i a l e v e n t s & F lo w e r s s t e l a at a n n e e d g a r ph o t o g r a ph y g a lt c o u n t r y c l u b

Budget When it comes to the budget, it’s important to be realistic. Most photos online are from big budget weddings and are not attainable for everyone. Show your florist what you like to see what options will allow you to stay in your budget. Sophia says to start with bouquets before moving onto centrepieces.

s pecial events & Flowers Eli s ha k ph otog r aphy

Containers This year, brides are looking for dramatic containers for their centrepieces. If you want to stay vintage, antique vases or copper containers are the top choice.

Centrepieces Lynne says centrepieces are becoming more like tablescapes. Instead of being clustered in one spot, single or multiple blooms are being added to foliage and are being spread out across long banquet tables.

s pecial events & Flowers Eli s ha k ph oto g r aphy

s p e c i a l e v e n t s & F lo w e r s E l i s h a K ph o t o g r a ph y

Ceremony Pieces The ceremony pieces are remaining consistent with trends in other areas of every big day; the floral arrangements surrounding the bride and groom as they say “I do� are full, free-flowing, and whimsical, with assorted greens and lush flower blooms.

2017

Wedding trends 131

e

A

Th e G u i d e

Yo u r w e d d i n g q u e s t i o n s a n s w e r e d

Q

I know people love to take photos at weddings, but I really don’t want my private, special moment (or any mishaps or bad pics) splashed all over Facebook. What should I do?

This is a completely reasonable request. It is recommended that you include a note with the invitation and have a sign at the entrance to the ceremony so that people are aware of your photo rules. Many weddings are now taking on the “unplugged” theme, where guests are encouraged to keep their devices tucked away so that your private and personal event can remain so and be captured by your paid photographers without interruptions.

ph o t o g r a ph b y e l i s h a k ph o t o g r a ph y

132 Wedding trends 2017

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Q

Is it OK to send a thank-you via email instead of a handwritten note?

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While many people would say an e-thank you is better than nothing, it is still preferred (especially by older generations) that you send handwritten thank-you cards for weddings. Most guests understand you’ll be busy with honeymooning and newlywed life right after the wedding, and so couples typically have up to six months after the wedding to send cards.

If guests went out of their way to book time off work, travel, give up personal time and present a gift, what’s a few minutes to send a heartfelt thank you?

k at e s pa d e n e w y o r k t h a n k y o u c a r d s b e d , b at h & b e y o n d

Q

I’m the last of my group of friends to get married, and most of them have kids already. I love their children, but I really wanted an adults-only wedding.

Is it rude not to invite the children?

A

It’s not rude to disallow children.

It’s your wedding, so you get to make the decisions. But do be prepared that some people might be upset about this or choose not to attend if they can’t bring their kids. This applies to other relatives and family who may be traveling to the wedding and not happy about leaving children behind. People might also want an explanation as to why you do not want children at the event — be careful what you say as hurt feelings over issues related to children can last a long time.

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Wedding trends 133

Q

If I make more money than my fiancé and want to contribute to my engagement ring, is that OK?

A

This is a tricky one. Some marriage counsellors might say the fact that you are asking a third party this question suggests that you and your fiancé need to have a heart-to-heart about money — and quickly! It would be important to consider how your contribution will make your future husband feel. Is it OK with him?

Are you willing to potentially forfeit the romance of the moment when he proudly presents the ring that he worked hard to afford? And what about you? Would knowing you paid, even in part, for your own ring become a point of resentment long after the honeymoon is over?

�mileX

YOU ' r e ON c a m er a !

Q

We’re having a video/ photo booth at our wedding, but I’m a bit worried because there’s always a few guests who monopolize the booth, and there’s also a few who I’d have to drag into the booth or I’ll never get them on camera. How can I manage this?

Maids in mismatch ing dr e s se s?

This may not even qualify as a trend anymore since it’s been around so long, but in case you were doubting yourself: yes, you can still let your bridesmaids wear mismatching outfits. Pick a colour scheme, and maybe a style, and let your bridesmaids do what they do best: find the perfect outfits for their specific body type.

S o r e l l a v i ta g o w n s f r o m s o ph i e ’ s g o w n s h o pp e

A

Consider putting a note in the invitation to orient people to the idea of the booth and remind them that the photos are for a purpose not just for fun, e.g., “We’d like to capture all the memories and guests for our special day on camera. Please visit our photo booth at the reception.” You can also put up a “photo/ video booth etiquette rules” sign, e.g., no foul language, keep it clean, three-minute maximum. And you could even ask your MC to direct different tables to the booth during the reception — maybe they have to go through the booth before they can go through the buffet.

134 Wedding trends 2017

Is it OK to wear white to a wedding?

81% 19% say: NO WAY!!

30%

of brides are considering wearing a coloured wedding dress.

say: Why not!?

More than 50% of couples will invite between 100 – 200 guests to their wedding:

30% 100 – 150 guests 22% 150 – 200 guests 16% 200 – 250 guests 16% 50 – 100 guests 9% Over 250 guests 6% Under 50 guests

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My future sisterin-law is really high maintenance with lots of dietary issues. She is insisting that many people have gluten allergies and other restrictions. She is even saying my wedding cake should be gluten free. I’m afraid she will cause a scene if I don’t oblige. Help!

A

It is a nice gesture to offer a vegetarian and/or gluten-free option for guests. However, if gluten is not your issue, a gluten-free cake is going overboard. Ask your fiancé to remind his sister that it’s not her wedding and she’ll have to go without having a piece of cake — it’s that simple.

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Q

A couple of my guests are very unpredictable.

Both are likely to show up to my wedding in yoga pants or something too revealing, and both often drink too much, flirt with the wrong person, and so on. I want to invite them, but is it OK to attach conditions?

A

Definitely tell the wild ones what your expectations are. Explain that you need them to tone it down, and to act and dress in a familyfriendly way if they are coming to your wedding. Tell them they can get all the wild stuff out at the bachelorette party.

F

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2017

Wedding trends 135

New matrimonial traditions continue to make Muskoka region the perfect place for your perfect day

A natural

wedding d e s t i n at i o n

By KIM GOGGINS

T

raditionally, when people thought of destination weddings their minds would wander to tropical locales, palm trees and tranquil blue-green oceanscapes, but granite cliffs, towering pines, sun dancing on pristine lakes and yes, even crisp snow may just be taking over as backdrops to the perfect wedding getaway.

“Many people from out of town, out of the country, east coast, west coast they want to come in and get married here,” says Holly Carney, owner of Holly Matrimony Wedding Coordination. “The scenery is obviously fantastic. If they’re choosing to come with us and do something cool, it’s because of the surroundings. A lot of that is the nature component.”

Leah Leslie, director of sales and marketing at JW Marriott The Rosseau Resort & Spa agrees and says she is seeing a tendency for couples to extend their celebration over the course of a weekend so their guests feel as if they have gotten away, not just attended a wedding.

“With a destination wedding you’re really thinking about how your guests are occupying and enjoying their time. It’s so much fun in the winter, just to go outdoors and skate. We had one wedding where the couple actually arranged a hockey game,” she notes, adding that winter in Muskoka can provide the most picturesque scenery.

“We’ve had so many outdoor ceremonies.

Everybody just bundles up and goes outside.

It’s gorgeous. It sparkles … and there’s something about the outdoors in the winter that is quieter. The snow softens the sounds outdoors and that makes it seem so intimate when you’re outside for the ceremony.”

She adds that more and more couples want 136 Wedding trends 2017

their guests to have a learning experience through the planned activities.

“It’s all about a curated experience that’s facilitated by an expert and that’s a trend.

What we’re seeing is that they want us to enrich their experience in some way that they can’t do themselves.”

With so much to enjoy, it’s not surprising that many couples are ditching the impersonal city hall ceremony to elope to Muskoka for only a few more dollars. Carney says she is seeing a tendency towards eloping and adds her company’s campaign, “Forget city hall; elope in Muskoka” has really taken off because people want meaningful moments without the stress of planning a full wedding.

“Why get married at city hall when for the same price or just a few dollars more you can get married on a rock face overlooking Lake Bernard or you can be in a canoe in the middle of a lake or in a cranberry marsh?” she enthuses. “There’s so many options for people to come up here as a small group and take advantage of the scenery and the restaurants up here.”

Secret weddings also seem to be an emerging trend and not just for the rich and famous. Bringing friends together under the suggestion of a birthday or other nonwedding celebration adds an element of surprise that Carney often captures on a GoPro camera for her clients to enjoy later.

The venues are getting more unique, as well.

According to Cathy Dracup, owner of Pure Elegance Wedding & Event Décor, heritage centres and museums throughout Muskoka are becoming popular and offer an intimate setting.

Whether the ceremony is at an iconic Muskoka landmark, world-class resort or

“The scenery is obviously fantastic. If they’re choosing to come with us and do something cool, it’s because of the surroundings.” family cottage, with 10 friends or 200, many couples are also looking at more casual dining options to allow guests to mingle.

“Food elements range from fine dining, cook outs to food stations,” says Dracup. Food stations are a popular option for a nontraditional event reception and can consist of a variety of entrées, salads, a main course and even a dessert bar.”

When it comes to dining, people are also seeking out local and organic food sources to share with their guests.

“If we do our menus on a chalkboard, we really celebrate every aspect of that meal,” says Carney. “So, if the cranberries came from a local cranberry marsh or if the trout is from a local trout farm, we are making sure those details are in.”

No matter what the trends of the day are, Muskoka is always a sought-after destination for weddings. What makes each celebration unique is how the personalities of the bride and groom are incorporated into the natural beauty of the area.

Planner

t r e n d s

Use these pages to help plan your wedding or go online to view our digital editions at simcoe.com 2017

Wedding trends 137

Wedding Planner

12 OR MORE MONTHS BE FORE

2 MONTHS BEFORE

TO BE COMPLETED BY ________________________________________________________________________ Determine potential dates and times for your wedding Decide on the size, formality and setting for your wedding Create a wedding and engagement budget Reserve the locations of your wedding and reception Meet with and book the officiating clergy Choose your wedding party and participants Choose your wedding rings Draw up your initial guest list Organize your engagement party Decide if you are having a Stag & Doe party Other ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TO BE COMPLETED BY _________________________________________________________________ Mail the invitations Decide on your wedding vows or compose your own Finalize the reception menus Confirm the wedding details with the musicians and clergy Have the programs printed Purchase gifts for parents and attendants Schedule final dress fitting for bride and attendants Other ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9 –1 2 MONTHS BEFORE TO BE COMPLETED BY _________________________________________________________________ Order your wedding dress and attendants’ attire Book your photographer/videographer Reserve a caterer Arrange for decor, chair covers and linens Book your live entertainment or DJ Reserve your florist Order your wedding cake Reserve any rental items from the rental company Register your gift choices at your favourite store Research accommodation for out-of-town guests Plan your honeymoon Mail out ‘Save the Date’ Cards Other ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6 – 9 MONTHS BE FORE TO BE COMPLETED BY _________________________________________________________________ Decide on your menu Reserve the musicians and soloist for your ceremony Reserve your limousine service Order your invitations and any other stationery Order bombonieres for your guests Mother’s outfits are chosen Check marriage licence requirements Decide on a Stag & Doe Venue Other ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3 – 6 MONTHS BE FORE TO BE COMPLETED BY _________________________________________________________________ Finalize your guest list Choose the reader for your ceremony Finalize your order with the florist Reserve the men’s wedding attire Make an appointment with your hairdresser Make appointments for nails and makeup Other ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 138 Wedding trends 2017

1 MONTH BEFORE TO BE COMPLETED BY _________________________________________________________________ Apply for a marriage licence Plan the rehearsal dinner Meet with photographer and videographer Other ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 WEEKS BEFORE TO BE COMPLETED BY__________________________________________________________________ Have the attendant’s parties Draft the speeches Finalize reception details Call any guests who have not replied Confirm details with your hairdresser and make–up artist Deliver song lists to musicians or play lists to DJ Confirm honeymoon reservations Other ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 WEEK BEFORE TO BE COMPLETED BY _________________________________________________________________ Finalize seating plan Determine the order for the procession Have your rehearsal Confirm accommodation reservations Pick up the attire for the groomsmen Confirm the final numbers with the caterer Confirm details with limousine company Deliver your marriage licence to the officiant Create a seating arrangement for the reception and write out place _________ cards Choose someone to hand out the favours Choose someone to return any rented items after the wedding Write any cheques required for the wedding day Pack for your honeymoon Other ___________________________________________________

ON THE DAY Give the wedding bands to the best man Give the best man any cheques that will need to be given out Present the attendants and parents with their gifts Relax and enjoy your special day!

Other ______________________________________________________

DESTINATION WEDDING CHECKLIST In addition to the standard Wedding Planning Checklist, consider the following items when planning a Destination wedding.

C HOOSE YOUR DESTINATION & SELECT A W EDDING DATE When selecting your destination, consider the following

Decide if you would like to use a Wedding Planner, a Tour _____ Operator or plan your wedding yourself.

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

EXTRA ACTIVITIES

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

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

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

Choose the climate you would like for your wedding day Determine the time of year you would like your wedding to take place in – what will the weather conditions be like at that time of year?

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

Decide if you will have a rehearsal or pre-wedding day dinner Decide if you will have a post wedding day breakfast or lunch.

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

Decide if you will organise group sightseeing activities.

Investigate possible activities.

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

Other ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is the average cost to get married in a particular country If you would like to have a large or small wedding – how far your guests will have to travel will affect how many people will be able to attend How easy it is to plan a wedding in a particular country – could you plan your own wedding, would you have to use a Tour Operator or Wedding Planner?

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

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ontact the Foreign Embassy or Consulate to confirm the legal and C residential requirements to get married in the country of your choice.

Understand the time frame and the steps that must be ________ completed to ensure your marriage can take place.

Other _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Other ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PLAN YOUR W EDDING ABROAD Determine how much you would like to spend on your wedding Determine the style of wedding you would like to have and how much involvement you would like to have in its planning.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS FOR GUESTS Investigate and select a range of suitable accommodation for your ___________ guests. Ensure you find accommodation that caters for all budgets.

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

Confirm what date your guests must book by to secure accommodation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

GUEST IN FORMATION Compile information pack or set up a wedding website. This information should be given to guests with their invitations.

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

Other ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2017

Wedding trends 139

Wedding Planner BUDGET

DES C RI PTI ON CEREMONY Decorations: Location Fee: Officiant Fee:

Marriage License: Musicians Fees: Ring Pillows: Rentals: Other: REC EPTION Decorations: Location Fee: Food: Drinks: Favours: Rentals: Cake: Favors: Other: ATTIRE Bridal Dress: Headpiece, Veil: Undergarments and hosiery: Shoes: Accessories: Jewelry: Bridal Makeup/Nails: Bridal Hair: Groom’s Tuxedo/Suit: Groom’s Shoes: Bow tie/cuff links, accessories: Other: RINGS Bride’s Wedding Ring: Groom’s Wedding Ring: Engraving:

140 Wedding trends 2017

EST IMAT E

D E P O S IT

PAY ME N TS

BAL AN CE

ACTUA L

BUDGET DES C RIP TI ON

EST IMAT E

D E P O S IT

PAY ME N TS

BAL AN CE

AC T UA L

F LOW ERS Bouquets/Boutonnières: Ceremony: Reception: Rehearsal Dinner: Other: PHOTOGRAPHY Photographer: Videographer: Albums: Engagement Photos: Additional Prints: Disposable Camera: TRANSPORTATION Transportation for Wedding Party: Guest Shuttle: Parking Attendant: Other: STATIONERY Invitations: Response Cards: Thank-you Cards: Postage: Guest Book: Other: MUSIC Ceremony Musicians: Wedding Band: DJ: Cocktail Hour Musicians: Sound System Rental: Other: GI F TS Bridesmaids: Groomsmen: Parents: Out of Town Guests: Other:

2017

Wedding trends 141

Wedding Planner

CEREMONY SITE

COSTS What is the facility rental fee? _____________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is there a ceremony fee?_______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What is the set-up/break-down fee?____________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What is the staffing fee? _______________________________________________________________________________ What is the overtime fee? ____________________________________________________________________________ Is there a fee for security personnel? __________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SERVIC ES Does the site provide staff such as an on-site coordinator? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does the site provide items such as tables, chairs, chair covers? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does the ceremony site provide adequate parking space or valets? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What are the costs involved?_______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does the site provide on-site security. What are the costs involved? _______ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does the site have a liquor licence?_____________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ AMENITIES Are there changing rooms for the bridal party? _________________________________________ Are there picturesque locations for photo opportunities? Both inside and out? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are there sufficient restroom facilities?________________________________________________________ Is there, or can you set up, a coat room?_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is the facility in a desirable location? Consider the view and any potential noise interruptions. Is it easy to get to? Is it close to any nearby attractions? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is there a podium/microphone?___________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is a sound system required? ________________________________________________________________________ TERMS 142 Wedding trends 2017

What is the length of the facility rental? Is there an overtime fee if your ceremony lasts longer? ________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Will you allow photographs and video during the ceremony? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Do you have use of the entire site? If not – what areas can your party use? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What is the deposit and when is the remainder due? ________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What is the cancellation policy? ______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are there restrictions on food or drinks in any areas?________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are candles or open flames allowed? _________________________________________________________ Does the site have any music or noise restrictions?____________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are there any decorating restrictions? (ie. hanging items from the ceiling / walls)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Will there be another ceremony during, before or after yours? If so, how will this affect your event?____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If an outdoor location, are there backup plans for rain or inclement weather?________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is there a place to put up a tent?_________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are there enough chairs for the ceremony or will you need to rent additional seating?_________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

INVITATION TIMELINE PRE-WEDDING: Save the Date Cards Wedding Announcement

Qty_________________________ $ ___________________________ _______________________________ $ ___________________________

WEDDING INVITATION COMPONENTS: Outer Envelope Qty ________________________ Optional Inner Envelope Qty ________________________ Invitation Qty ________________________ Reception Card Qty ________________________ Directions / Map Card Qty ________________________ Response Card Qty ________________________ Save the Date Cards Qty ________________________ Wedding Announcement _______________________________

THANK-YOU CARDS Shower Thank-You Cards Qty ________________________ Wedding Thank-You Cards Qty ________________________ Response Card Qty ________________________

$ ___________________________ $ ___________________________ $ ___________________________ $ ___________________________ $ ___________________________ $ ___________________________ $ ___________________________ $ ___________________________

$ ___________________________ $ ___________________________ $ ___________________________

9 MONTHS/1 YEAR • Begin working on your guest list so you will know how many wedding invites (and maybe save the dates) to eventually order (one per single adult, couple or family invited).

• Start your wedding invitation shopping so you can narrow your choices down to only your favorites. Be sure to order samples, which are usually blank, so you can personally see the paper and design.

• If you are planning to mail out save the date cards to guests, begin searching for your preferred design of them as well.

7 /8 MONTHS • If you will be sending save the dates, place your order based on the number of guests to whom you will be mailing them as they are optional.

• Review sample wedding invitation verses and give some thought as to how your wording will read.

• If sending save the dates, prepare and mail them.

6 MONTHS • Select your wedding invitation design and gather all the details that will be printed on them such as date, times, name and address of location(s), etc.

• Determine what invitation enclosures or extras you will also be ordering – reception cards, response cards, pre-printed return address on envelopes, direction/map cards, decorative envelope seals, colored lining for inner envelopes, matching thank you cards or informal notes, etc. Some of these options may not be available depending on your chosen style. You may also be able to order matching menu, table and place cards for your design. The more items you can order together, the more you will save by avoiding separate shipping costs later.

• If you are including response cards, check with your dinner location to see how far in advance they need your final guest count so you

can select the RSVP date that will be printed on them (typically 2–3 weeks before wedding). You also need to decide whose address will be printed on the response envelope or postcard (meaning they will receive the replies).

• If you are doing your own invitations, create and mail one to yourself to see how they hold up through the mail.

4/5 MONTHS • Finalize your wording and place your wedding invitation order. Remember to order some extras now so you won’t run out if there are last-minute guests to invite and so you also have a few as keepsakes.

If the option is available, order some extra envelopes just to be safe.

• Review your guest list to make sure you have current addresses for everyone.

• Consider custom wedding stamps for mailing your wedding invites.

Some retailers give you the option of choosing from pre-designed wedding postage or simply uploading a photo to create your own stamp design. NOTE: Be sure to have one of your ready-to-mail invitations weighed at a Post Office before you purchase any postage stamps to make sure you are using the correct amount for each invitation.

3 /4 MONTHS • Fold and/or assemble your wedding invitations, if necessary.

• Hand address mailing envelopes and write guest names on inside envelopes, if they are included.

• Purchase and apply postage stamps to the response card envelopes or response postcards, if they will be included.

• Assemble all wedding invitation pieces and insert them into already addressed envelopes.

• Take one fully assembled and sealed invitation to the Post Office to have it weighed to determine the correct amount of postage needed.

• Purchase your stamps or order custom wedding stamps with appropriate postage amount required for mailing.

6 /8 WEEKS • Seal the envelopes, apply postage stamps and mail them all at the same time directly at a Post Office location.

3/4 WEEKS • Prepare and mail any other wedding-related invitations, rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch, etc.

• Keep track of the response cards as they are returned by checking off their names from your guest list.

2/3 WEEKS • Contact any guests who didn’t mail back their response cards.

• Provide final guest count to reception/dinner location.

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Wedding Planner

RECEPTION SITE

COSTS What is the facility rental fee? _____________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What is the cost for food?____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What is the cost for beverages?___________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If you can hold your ceremony on site, what is the fee? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is there an in-house caterer or a list of preferred caterers? If so, are they the exclusive caterers, or can you provide your own? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are there on-site kitchen facilities? _____________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What is the staffing fee? (including bartenders, waiters etc.) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What is the overtime fee? ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is there a fee for security personnel? __________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is there a fee for parking or valets?______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is there a cake plating fee?___________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is the bar cost per person/open bar? _________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Can we have a signature drink? Cost? ________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If I supply my own wine is there a corkage fee? _________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PACKAGES What is included in the wedding package? _________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Facility rental? ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Food and beverages? ___________________________________________________________________________________ Ceremony on site? _______________________________________________________________________________________ Set up and break down? ______________________________________________________________________________ Staffing? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Cake? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Flowers? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ AMENITIES Are there changing rooms for the bridal party? _________________________________________ Does the facility provide guest accommodations or are their convenient locations nearby? _________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is there a bar area or can one be set up? ___________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are there picturesque locations for photo opportunities? Both inside and out? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is there a dance floor? _________________________________________________________________________________ 144 Wedding trends 2017

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are there sufficient restroom facilities? _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is there, or can you set up, a coat room?_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is the facility in a desirable location? Consider the view and any potential noise interruptions. Is it easy to get to? Is it close to any nearby attractions? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is there a stage for the head table? _____________________________________________________________ Is there a podium/microphone?___________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TERMS What is the length of the facility rental? _____________________________________________________ Is there an overtime fee if your wedding reception lasts longer?_______________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Do you have use of the entire reception site? If not–what areas can your party use? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What is the deposit and when is the remainder due? ________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What is the cancellation policy?___________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are there restrictions on food or drinks in any areas?________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are candles or open flames allowed? _________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does the site have any music or noise restrictions?____________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are there any decorating restrictions? ________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Will there be another party during, before or after yours? If so, how will this affect your event?___________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is there a payment schedule? What kind of deposits are required? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ site Site:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date & Time:__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Style of site:___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Extras:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Cost:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Deposit:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Notes:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHOOSING YOUR DRESS QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR BRIDAL SHOP

Will I need to purchase special undergarments? ________________________________________

What brand and designer lines do you carry?_____________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you rent crinoline?___________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you make any suggestions for jewelry/veils that compliment certain

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

dress styles? _________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Can I get a price list or estimate for possible alterations?__________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ After my gown is ordered, how long will it take for it to come in? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What will I need at the first fitting?_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ DRESS OPTION 1 Store:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sales Consultant:___________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Style of Dress:________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Brand of Dress:______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Price:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Price for Alterations:_____________________________________________________________________________________

Will the gown be steamed/pressed when I pick it up?
______________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DRESS OPTION 2

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Store:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What are your deposit and payment policies?____________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sales Consultant:___________________________________________________________________________________________

How long have you been in business? ________________________________________________________

Style of Dress:________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Brand of Dress:______________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you offer a discount if my bridesmaid dresses are also ordered from you? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What trends are you seeing this year?_________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Price:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Price for Alterations:_____________________________________________________________________________________ Attach any pictures you've seen or website URL's of things you like, to serve as inspiration.

FITTING DATES AND NOTES _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What styles are best for my body type? _____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Does the dress include a bustle? _________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Wedding Planner

BRIDESMAID ATTIRE

QUESTIONS TO ASK your bridal shop

bridal Shop OPTION 2

How long have you been in business?_________________________________________________________

Company:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What brand and designer lines do you carry? ____________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What fabric / colours are available?____________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Designer:________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Colour:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Cost:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Deposit:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Do you rent the dresses?______________________________________________________________________________

Attach any pictures you've seen or website URL's of things you like,

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

to serve as inspiration.

Are any alterations included in the cost of the dresses?____________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Can I get a price list or estimate for possible alterations?__________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ After the dresses are ordered, how long will they take to come in?__________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

final Dress & accessory Overview

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Store:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Designer name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Will you store the dresses until the wedding day if necessary?

Style number: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Colour: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Will the gowns be steamed / pressed when they are picked up? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dress style options: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Cost: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Alteration cost:______________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you have other locations for bridesmaids that are out of town?__________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Shoes: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Colour:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What are your deposit and payment policies?____________________________________________

Dyeable:__________________________Height of Heel ______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Store where available: __________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cost: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

bridal Shop OPTION 1 Company:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Designer:________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hair accessory: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Necklace: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Earrings:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Other jewellery: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Colour:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Nail/toe polish colour: __________________________________________________________________________________

Cost:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Other:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Deposit:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

146 Wedding trends 2017

Classic Weddings

705-526-5822

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www.midlandgolfcc.com

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148 Wedding trends 2017