It’s still so hard to believe that Johnny and I have been married for 2 whole years! Having just celebrated our anniversary, I wanted to give you a glimpse into our big day.

Planning a wedding from across the country was no easy feat, and I could not have done it without my family’s help. I spent so many hours on the phone with my Mom planning and organizing, and my Dad spent most of his spare time that summer working on DIY chalk boards, wedding favors, center pieces and portable string lighting (all of which turned out perfectly!).
My mom found our venue and knew right away that it was the one. The interior had wood finishing’s, stone fireplaces, a wrap around balcony and vaulted ceilings which felt very modern and natural. Johnny and I wanted a small ceremony, and had originally planned to elope at City Hall  prior to having a backyard reception. Instead, we held the private ceremony on the back patio with our immediate family.

The day before the wedding was busy busy! Our flowers arrived and Tessa (Maid of Honor) and Erika (MC) started making the bouquets, table centre pieces and floral arrangements for the altar.  My parents had also hosted our rehearsal dinner that night so the house was packed. Signs were made, name tag-wine glasses were completed and the music playlist was finalized (YES! I still can’t believe I left this until the night before).

The morning of our big day was even more busy… and HOT!!  It turned out to be the HOTTEST day of the summer.
We headed straight to the salon to have our hair and makeup done. Our photographer met us back at our place while we got dressed and sipped on champagne. In our rush to the alter, we forgot the bouquets. I guess a wedding wouldn’t be a wedding without forgetting something am-i-right?! (I also found out later that Johnny and his Best Man were also late, they lost track of time playing in the sandbox with the kiddos, of course).

As the music (Shenandoah by Bill Frizell) started, I remember having those wonderful butterflies and was so happy to have both my mom and dad by my side. We timed the walk just right so that and I walked down the isle as the music picked up and faded away when I met Johnny at the alter.

The ceremony was short and sweet, with a touch of humour thanks to our officiant (I highly recommend him, if you’re looking for one let me know!!).

We spent the next hour or so taking photos and walking around the property with the photographer. I went to University with Laura and knew from the get-go that I had to have her there for my big day. She definitely did not disappoint (as you can see), and the memories that she captured will be hung on our wall forever.

Friends and family started to trickle in; the bar was open, the dinner was delicious, our MC was amazing, and everyone was having a great evening.

AND THEN the band started to play. Having my father-in-laws band play was probably the best decision that we had made for the wedding. It was a hit! We danced all evening, not even playing the music that I had planned out the night before (which was totally fine because it was a rushed job anyway).

My highlight for the evening entertainment definitely had to be when the band played “Alisha”. This is a song that my father-in-law wrote the year I was born and that Johnny had on repeat the night he met me. Most of the guests knew the chorus and sang along as Johnny and I soaked it all in on the dance floor.

To say that our wedding day was one of the best days of my life is an understatement. Not only did I get to marry the love of my life, but I also got to party with all of my family and friends under one roof. The venue was full of love and laughter and I cannot wait until the day that we can throw a party like that again!

Vendors:
Hair & Makeup: Eden Salon, London ON
Brides attire: David’s Bridal, Spokane WA | Alterations: MaxSeams, Nelson BC
Groom’s attire: Baker Street Mens Wear, Nelson BC
Wedding Party attire: purchased/rented individually
Flowers: purchased locally & arranged by my beautiful friends Tessa and Erika
Venue & Catering: The Carolinian Winery, Thorndale ON