This wedding was much anticipated! Sharon contacted me to be her wedding photographer, before she was even engaged when I was still pregnant with Iris! Almost 3 years after she first contacted me I was so excited to be a part of her perfectly planned wedding day! We had debated about what date her day should be, I believe originally it was supposed to be the week before which had terrible weather…. she couldn’t have asked for a nicer fall day and we just loved every minute of it! Congrats Sharon & George!
– Heather
Describe the vision/theme you had for your wedding in 5 words or less: Autumn, wine, classy, personal, fun.
What are you favourite memories of your wedding day?
Bride: Dance party Ellen-style with my bridesmaids and mom in the morning, the first (non) look, our amazing MC Jay, our family/friend’s speeches/toasts, dancing to Metallica as our first dance and the shoe game.
Groom: The photo taking session in Pioneer Village, arriving at the reception to have a plate full of appetizers set aside for us by our wedding party, visiting with friends and family, our first dance and Sharon’s speech.
Best wedding related decision:
Bride: Hiring a Day of Coordinator. Our reception location was closed on Sunday and we didn’t want to stick around until Monday to get our decorations and we didn’t want to ask our family/friends to clean up that night. Also, we didn’t need to worry about the details on the day of, which allowed us to have fun. Bonus: Two of the six memorial candle vases broke but they were replaced hours before the reception started.
Groom: Reception at the London Club. Also I’m happy we had our rehearsal dinner in the Executive Suite at the Residence Inn by Marriott. It was great to have access to full kitchens and a large space to have a casual dinner close to everyone’s hotel rooms.
Favourite detail:
Bride: The welcome bags, the wine decor, and I especially loved our personal touches such as the baby picture table numbers, the memorial candles honouring family members that have passed away, and the family tree of our parent’s and grandparent’s on their wedding days.
Groom: All the above plus the rock book (i.e guest book).
Advice for future brides & grooms:
Bride: Don’t leave things to the last minute. If you can get it done now, do it now, not later. Really. Do it. Despite having a 22 month engagement, there were some great ideas that got dropped at the last minute, even after an investment was made (choreographed first dance, personalized back drop for photobooth), which was disappointing, but our own doing.
Groom: Although it might seem like a lot of money, this is one of the most enjoyable days of your life, so pick locations and vendors that you cherish. Also, don’t sacrifice costs to the detriment of your guests (i.e. food/drink).
Both: Planning a wedding is great, but be sure you’re planning for your marriage, too. Also…make sure you have super glue. We used it three times the day of the wedding.
Would you change anything if you could do it all over again?
Bride: I would do my personal make up trial numerous times. I thought I didn’t have to practice too much because I was doing my own make up and knew how to do it, but there was a mini-catastrophe and I ended up re-doing my make up three times the morning of the wedding. Very stressful. (Thanks to Heather and my bridesmaids for keeping a bride calm). I would also like to have had the photobooth until the end of the night as the time went by so quickly.
Groom: Nothing. We had a great day!
Best surprise of the day: A surprise sunset shoot. Also, after the ceremony, we were on our way to the Pioneer Village for pictures, when at a red light we saw another bride and groom beside us with “just married” on their vehicle. We both honked, waved and rolled down our windows to give each other congratulations.
Favourite HRM picture from the day (and why?): 298 A candid moment immediately after the ceremony we’re so happy and it’s a great artistic shot. Some other absolute favourites: 421, 495, 885, 932 Oh and, 131 First (non) look. Despite us running slightly behind schedule, and we were willing to forgo this pic, Heather make arrangements to do this unique shot (Thx again!)
Anything else you’d like to add: Thank you Heather and Niki for such terrific photos! We had complete faith in your abilities and talent, which allowed us not to worry about our photos. Worth the investment 100%!
p.s. Dear Mother Nature, thanks for the great weather!
VENDORS: Ceremony Location: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church | Reception Location: The London Club | Officiant (if not a church ceremony): N/A | Cake: Whimsical Bakery | Dress (designer and/or store): Alfred | Angelo 1143 (Traditions Bridal, Ottawa) Bridesmaid Dresses: Mori Lee 834 (The Dress Room, Toronto) | Menswear: Moores | Wedding Planner: Day of Coordinator Unmistakably You (Genevieve) | Flowers/Decorator: Bouquets: Sobey’s (David) and Boutonnieres: Sharon’s mom | Hair/Makeup: Hair: Wendy Brunner (Brunner, Moore and Company). Make Up: The bride (Temptu airbrushing and MAC). | Caterer: (The London Club) | DJ: Rob Aitken of Music Central | Video Service: Wed It
WEDDING SONGS: Entrance: Wedding party/family: Pink—Raise your Glass Bride & Groom: U2—Beautiful Day | First Dance: Metallica—Nothing Else Matters | Parent Dance: Josh Groban – You Raise Me Up | Cake Cutting: Train—Marry Me | Last Song: Semi-Sonic – Closing Time
So sweet – Sharon surprised me with this cool thank you gift!
The bride & groom chose to do a “non-look” before the ceremony – loved this moment! Favourite HRM picture from the day (and why?): 131 First (non) look. Despite us running slightly behind schedule, and we were willing to forgo this pic, Heather make arrangements to do this unique shot (Thx again!) (above)
Favourite HRM picture from the day (and why?): 298 A candid moment immediately after the ceremony we’re so happy and it’s a great artistic shot. (above left)
