real weddings Archive

I’ve been looking forward to writing this post for over a year and a half now. That’s a long time. See Meg (that babe of a bride below) emailed me early in 2011 to tell me she was newly engaged. Actually scratch that. Meg wrote me a mini novel, which included not only the beginning visions she had for her wedding, and the whole back story of her and Eric’s relationship, but photos from her engagement which her now husband had strategically planned with a photographer while they were away on vacation in San Francisco (I know, adorable right?) Between her infectious joy and love for not only Eric but life, her excitement to finally be planning their big day, and the fact that Meg is good friends with Ashley, another HGE bride, I knew I’d love working with her. While Meg focused on the big details and making sure her and Eric’s big wedding remained nothing short of intimate and special, I was here along the way to help with little details and the little stressors that are unavoidable when you’re planning such a remarkable celebration.

Meg and Eric you two are the kind of people that in working together, you allowed me to fall in love with both my job and my own husband all over again, after just seeing you two and the way you look at one another. You ooze love and happiness from every ounce of your being and that is above all else, inspiring to someone like me. You welcomed me into your lives and trusted me to orchestrate such meaningful moments for you, your family and friends. I’m so thrilled you’ve started your forever together. And I’m so thrilled your wedding was one of the most awesomeness parties of all.

I mean really, check out the lovely photos from Young Hearts Photography. Ah-mazing.

I must mention that Meg has a love for Tiffany’s. A serious obsession might I add. So naturally her wedding was a classic, modern affair infused with subtle touches of Tiffany blue. And on the day of Meg and Eric’s wedding I was totally wishing I was actually a bridesmaid instead of a wedding coordinator. Because these pretty blue bags were all lined up that morning just begging to be opened by a few lucky recipients. Meg is such a thoughtful friend isn’t she?

Then this happened.

And of course the bride herself got a little blue box to open from her soon to be hubby.

Isn’t she stunning?

The guys were meanwhile over at Mankind getting groomed up. Such a rad spot for dudes!

And such a handsome group of guys!

A few bridal party shots before the ceremony started….

And some of the most stunning ceremony shots I’ve ever seen. Love this series.

Post-ceremony was all about bridal party shots and portraits around Toronto.

Oh, you guys!

Then after the bridal party trekked around for photos downtown Toronto, everyone headed over to Arcadian Court for cocktail hour. And of course I was able to do the big reveal of the finished room with the newlyweds. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the room reveal with my clients is my absolute favorite thing on a wedding day. And hugs. I totally love hugs from clients. Thank you Alex for capturing this awesome moment with Meg and Eric. It means so much.

And here’s what they saw themselves.

Arcadian Court is such an amazing space for large events.

The amazing Lisa of Sweet Woodruff did all of the florals and Ashley, a former HGE bride, did the gorgeous stationery. The tablescapes were simple and streamlined with subtle pops of Tiffany blue brought in through the votives and hand-painted wood table numbers. White frames sat in the center of each table with black and white copies of the couple’s engagement photos in each. Each table had a different photo and it was tons of fun checking out all of the cute pics. Meg and Eric wanted their engagement photos to look like the CLub Monaco campaign from a few years back.

The key to your seat – key shaped bottle openers double dutied as escort cards and favors.

And the prettiest cake for the newlyweds to cut into together.

There was also a candy and sweets table for guests to enjoy…

And puzzle pieces for guests to sign in instead of a guestbook.

The wedding invitations.

Sigh. True love, folks. That is true love right there.

And one last little details to end this post on. Meg and Eric’s wedding happened to fall on the same evening as Nuit Blanche. Which makes parking downtown (an already tricky endeavor in my mind) even trickier when all of the roads and underground parking ramps are closed to the public. But, and this is a big but, it couldn’t have been a more perfect evening to get some seriously delicious sparkler shots outside with what seemed like the entire city surrounding you. Essentially, Nuit Blanche is an all night, downtown art show. And at midnight the streets were literally packed with hundreds and hundreds of people who may have thought that Meg and Eric themselves was an exhibit.

And they lived happily ever after. Really though :)

Also, I have to give a huge thank you to my brother who was my assistant for the day. From Windex-ing photo frames for me, finding a spot to park my car for me and opening the church door before the processional, you were a huge help, Josh. I love you and am so thankful we were able to spend the day together. Thanks for being there for me.

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Photography: Alex Lee, Young Hearts Photography / Partial planning, styling and coordination: Hey Gorgeous Events / Flowers: Sweet Woodruff / Church: St. Mary’s Church / Venue: Arcadian Court / Catering: Oliver and Bonacini / Cake: The Sweet Co. / Cupcakes: I Do Wedding Cakes / Bride’s gown: Jenny Yoo, White Toronto / Bridesmaid’s gowns: Le Chateau / Earrings: The Bay / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Entertainment: Sole Power Productions / Videography: Wedit / Make up: Nikki Strachan / Bride’s sash: Amie Nicole Designs / Guy’s salon: Mankind Grooming Studio / Birdcage Veil and Gray Flower: Sussman’s Bridal Supplies (no website)

Classic. With a pop of the unexpected. Heavy on the romance, please. Sarah and Bryan’s wedding was one of those events where I stood back prior to the bride and groom room reveal and I just felt completely content. It was perfect and I knew the minute they’d lay their eyes on it, they’d think so too. See when Sarah emailed me a year before her big day she told me how badly she was needing some guidance in planning her and Bryan’s big day. She certainly had visions but needed some help bringing them together. She wrote that there was no one else she could picture herself trusting when it came to planning and designing her big day, and at once I knew we’d get along just fine. I knew that together Sarah, Bryan, myself and one incredible team of amazingly talented vendors would make magic on one beautiful September day. I’m so thrilled to finally show you these incredible images from the talented Tec Petaja. Between him, and the other vendors listed at the bottom of this post, I think we made one special couple totally happy on the biggest day of their lives. Sarah and Bryan, I adore you two. Thank you for welcoming me into your lives with open arms and for being such wonderful, caring and genuine clients.

Ok Rhi, enough chitter chatter. Now let’s get on to some gorgeous pretties, shall we?

Brief pause for a sec. I love dads and their daughters. One of the sweetest things to witness on a wedding day.

The ceremony was at St. John’s Catholic Church. The outside of the church is a tad more modern looking but the inside is so beautiful with the most amazing natural light. Because Sarah and Bryan wanted a more traditional wedding day celebration they skipped the first look and decided to wait until the met one another at the altar. Total swoon. Then following their ceremony they exited back into the church to release their guests pew by pew, so each guest could be personally greeted and thanked.

The most gorgeous bride and groom portraits. Seriously though.

While the bridal party did photos, guests were welcomed to The Peninsula Room patio, where appetizers and drinks were awaiting them. The Band Juicy sang a capella for entertainment, the mini lounge provided seating for guests wanting to rest their feet and the beautiful manicured environment gave the entire party an intimate and classic vibe. Navy striped straws added a festive touch to the signature sip, which was a pomegranate mojito. From what I hear they were pretty ridiculously delicious.

I gotta feed my clients! The newly married Mr and Mrs sneaking away for food and some laughs.

And some more details! I have to give a big shout out to everyone who worked so tirelessly to bring this wedding to fruition. Jenn from Modern Day Floral was such a dream to work with, making those floral arrangements everything Sarah had been dreaming of (and pinning!) for months. They were the perfect pop of color in the venue and really brought the entire look together. The girls (and guys) at I Candy created those family style wood tables from scratch (I know I’m still blown away) because the bride really wanted them but we couldn’t find them anywhere to rent. Custom stained wood family style seating for 140 guests? Yes, please. And all of those other tiny details that made everything look so special came from talented vendors mentioned below. I still have the text saved from Sarah that she sent me the morning after her wedding. If a bride calls her wedding an absolute fairytale, I think it can go down as a success. Here are some more pretties for you to soak up, guys.

After a tasty dinner it was time for the newlyweds sweet first dance. I love these black and white film images shot by Tec. He’s such a star and it was so lovely to meet his gorgeous wife, Chelsea the talent behind Oh My Deer. After the first dance we snuck out to the water with the bridal party to attempt to send off some paper wish lanterns into the night sky. All I’ll say here is it’s best not to send off wish lanterns when it’s windy outside. Oh, and the Traverse City firefighters are really quite nice :)

Sarah and Bryan it was such a joy being a part of your special day and watching you be surrounded by so many loving friends and family. May your marriage be forever as lovely as the day that your first started your journey as husband and wife. And to all of my readers, tell me what is your favorite detail from this charming affair? Mine has got to be the bride’s gown! Check out the vendor list below for all of the people that helped make this wedding possible! Enjoy your Thursday bloggies xoxo

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Photography: Tec Petaja / Design, planning and coordination: Hey Gorgeous Events / Florals: Modern Day Floral / Venue and catering: The Peninsula Room / Videography: Wedit / Linens: La Tavola / Custom tables and decor rentals: Events by I Candy / Draping, lounge furniture and lighting: Special Events Rental / Ceremony: St. John’s Catholic Church / Desserts and cake: The Everything Gal / Chalkboard signs: Lily and Val / Entertainment: The Band Juicy / Wedding invitations: Smock / Bridesmaid’s gowns: various labels / Programs, tear packs and seating chart: by the bride / Marquis letter D: gift from the MOB / Tassel garland: Tuck and Bonte / Throws: IKEA

Happy Thursday, blogettes! How could I not start this post with this stunner?

I had a hard enough time finding the words to write this post here. Mary Beth and Tom came into my life and at once I knew two very special people had come my way. Watching them finally become husband and wife was such a pleasure and such a joy that I can’t help but find myself smiling when I look at their photos. With an incredible team of vendors working together to make this day a possibility, these two had a magical wedding day, set against the pale blue skies dotted with the most perfect of white clouds. I’m fresh out of words to accurately describe this celebration so instead I’ll let the incredibly talented Harrison Studio tell the story with these beautiful images. Mary Beth and Tom, I just adore you two. See you soon for our dinner date :)

Mary Beth and Tom were married at the end of August at Crooked Creek Ranch on Lake Leelanau. The bride grew up minutes away in Sutton’s Bay so not only was the background for the day gorgeous, but it was meaningful too. After hanging out with her bridesmaids in town while they got their hair done, the gang headed back to the ranch where Mary Beth had her hair and make up done in the property’s bridal suite. Every time I checked in with her to see how she was feeling there was nothing but joy and happiness in her voice and eyes. Is there anything better than an excited bride to be? Check these cuties out.

A classic look of anticipation. Followed by a sweet first look and some darling bridal portraits.

One of the things I loved about working with Mary Beth and Tom is that they were all about my creative suggestions. I joked with Mary Beth (and her Dad) about how MB would have agreed to have pink glittered elephants at her wedding if I had told her it would be worth it :) But in all honestly they were both such a dream throughout my constant emails and calls. Example in point, because the ceremony space was about a 10 minute walk from the barn and reception tent, I thought it would be fun to have a pit stop station for guests to stop at halfway on their trek to I Do. An old dresser housed with programs, iced drinks, and parasols, manned by two bridesmaids, greeted guests before the ceremony. It was such a hit on such a hot August day.

A few more details from the ceremony and Mary Beth and her Dad about to walk down the aisle together.

They did it!

A little surprise send off sign on Jezebel, the old chevy that escorted MB and her Dad to the ceremony space.

Obsessed with all of those beautiful birch trees!

On to the details.

And a few more!

 Some homemade jam favors from the groom’s Mom and cookie mix favors. Guests got to pick!

Before the end of the night we had the most amazing lantern send off ever. Everyone came out onto the lawn and the band played Michael Buble’s rendition of Crazy Love from the barn. We sent off close to 20 lanterns into the sky over the tent and it was honestly one of the sweetest things to be a part of even if I was running around with my lighter like a mad woman! And the lanterns made for some really romantic photos. Mary Beth and Tom, you are both so sweet. My life has been immensely blessed just having you in it. I hope the rest of your fairytale is as magical as everything that happened on your big day xoxo

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Photography: Harrison Studio / Planning, design and cake florals: Hey Gorgeous Events / Venue and catering: Crooked Creek Ranch / Flowers: Flowers by Marla Courtney Wood / Decor rentals: Events by I Candy / Tent: Gjs Rentals / Entertainment: Joyride Band / Cake: The Everything Gal / Lounge furniture, linens and lights: Special Events Rental / Videography: Bay Area Wedding Films / Bridesmaids gowns: Amsale / Pies and cupcakes: Chimoski Bakery / Officiant: Rev. Robin Long

Guys, I could nearly burst with excitement that I get to finally share Ashley and Dallas’ wedding. Even though their wedding was earlier in June it feels like so much longer ago. See, Ashley was one of the first brides to contact me when I first launched my business a few years ago. For over a year her and I talked back and forth about her beautiful wedding day, through email and Skype dates, and when it finally came time to meet in person the day of her rehearsal I felt like I was hugging a good friend. Ashley had her vision in mind long before she hired me; modern, sleek, romantic and fresh. She had me at blush, gray and white anemones. And I simply came on board to help when I could, come up with a few details and make sure Ashley and Dallas had a celebration as special and memorable as the love they have for one another. The way Dallas looks at Ashley melts my heart. And Ashley gave one of the sweetest speeches to her groom during their reception. I just love love, don’t you too? :)

Oh, I also love all of these magnificent photos from one of my faves, Beth Kaye. I sort of lover her. Let’s do this!

Ashley started the morning off with her bridesmaids getting dolled up over at Salon Red in Burlington, Ontario (my hometown!) before heading back to the bride’s parents house for some drinks, make up and relaxation. I loved the black accents Ash incorporated into her wedding day look from the black sash on her gown to the Nina black heels. When I first saw Ash that day all dolled up I literally felt my heart skip a beat; she was just glowing and truly looked like a princess.

Here’s Ashley opening a little pretty from Kate Spade courtesy of her hubby to be that day. Nice one Dallas :)

And the girls all looking gorgeous in their Plum Pretty Sugar robes. Such a fun group of girls!

Then when Ash slipped into her gown and made the world stop for a second with her fierceness…

Dallas was over at the couple’s home looking sharp as ever in his black suit. Let me just mention real quick that Dallas is actually Bahamian and has the slightest accent that is the cutest thing ever. Dallas came up to me the morning of the wedding during set up to ask me what I thought of the idea to present Ashley with a huge bouquet of roses from a local floral shop. I nearly fell over with admiration for the sweet gesture from this groom to his bride. It’s the little things, people! Speaking of which, check out how adorable this first look is. A first look filled with laughter and goofy smiles is simply the very best.

Gorgeous gray dresses paired with stunning florals from Lori of Sticks and Stems.

And here are a few ceremony details! This wedding set up? Hands down my fave of the year!

Ashley and I went back and forth for months (maybe even a year?) on what to do with all the negative space in the Art Gallery’s pavilion (where the ceremony ended up taking place in too thanks to the weather). We went from ribbon chandeliers to lantern bunches to finally deciding on 36 inch black and white balloons floating on the ceiling with tulle tails. It was the perfect accent to not only the remaining decor Ashley worked so hard to perfect (like all of the paper products she designed and printer herself; this girl is talented) but was a fun, unexpected way to spruce up the room. Look how fun this shot is that Beth snapped during the ceremony! That natural light makes me weak in the knees. And I want balloons in my office everyday.

Oh, whose ready for the cutest first kiss ever?

On to more details! There were a lot of them. A lot of really pretty, swoon worthy details.

The most gorgeous piece of edible art I’ve ever seen. Jocelyn of Sugarbelle Cakes outdid herself on this!

More details!

During cocktail hour we quickly flipped the room around to make it reception ready.

And from there the party began. The band rocked this wedding until about 2:00 am and they were good. Real good.

Ash and Dallas it was such a pleasure to be a part of your special day. I loved listening to your friends and family speak such sweet words about you both and your relationship. I loved watching you say I Do. I especially loved watching one of your wedding guests tie 10 oversized balloons to the belt loops on his pants in an effort to elicit a few smiles. And come to think of it there were more than a few of those on your big day. Enjoy marriage today and always. Big hugs to you both xoxo

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Photography: Elizabeth in Love / Partial planning: Hey Gorgeous Events / Venue: The Art Gallery of Hamilton / Flowers: Sticks and Stems / Cake: Sugarbelle Cakes / Chairs: Special Events Rental / Paper products: The Bride / Dress: Paloma Blanca 4208 – Felicia Bridal Toronto / Hair: Dave Jurkas, Salon Red / Make Up: Cait Mizzi / Veil: Mrs Bridal Boutique / Soloist: Sara Dell / Band: Parkside Drive / Dress hanger: Etsy / Bride’s bracelet: Etsy / Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar / Macaron favors: Bobbette and Belle / Clutch: Coach / Shoes: Nina / Bridesmaids dresses: Alfred Sung / Groomsmen suits: Tuxedo Royal / Grooms suit: Zara / Groom’s cufflinks: Burberry / Groom’s shirt: Holt Renfrew / Ruffle curtains and zinc letters: Urban Outfitters

Phew. Now this was one spectacular wedding to be a part of. Let me try to do Jessy and Erik some justice in words.

Jessy and Erik hired me earlier this past spring for online design consulting and vendor referrals. What started out as an online relationship turned into more when we realized I was free to coordinate their big day. You may remember Jessy and Erik from these photos here and here, or these ones over here. Jessy was the bride who years ago worked as a barista in a little coffee shop downtown Chicago. Like clockwork, every morning when she opened, Erik would come in and be her first customer until one day, together they started the first day of their combined forevers. For years they’ve been continuously asked by family and friends, when they’d finally make it official. And in no rush to prove their love to anyone, they’ve happily dated, growing together in life and in love. We all know I’m a big believer in later is greater because the sweetest things in life often happen with just an ounce of patience. Jesse and Erik, you fit this mould to a T. And your wedding was personable, sweet and one of the craziest parties I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Thank you for including me. Even better, these photos by Michael Murphy, are some of the most wonderfully beautiful photos that truly tell a special story. Enjoy my bloggies xoxo

I was slightly obsessed with this bridal party. Not only were they all sweet, so in tune to Jessy and extremely good looking but they all had the best dresses, each one uniquely catered to each girl’s body and personality. All together they looked perfectly coordinated and absolutely stunning next to their bouquets made by the amazing Marla Courtney Wood. I’m so happy we were able to add in some gorgeous Juliet garden roses to the bouquets. They brought together the coral hue just wonderfully.

Jessy has a soft spot for chevron and coral. I loved styling together all of the sweet details from her wedding. Her paper products were found on Etsy and Jessy herself hand stitched every single napkin ring in three different fabric patterns (with sweet little wood buttons). The table numbers and guest book sign were heavy duty copper cut outs made by the groom who with Jessy owns a custom sign business. Each table had a number designated to it that represented a milestone or important number to the bride and groom (like the highest altitude they ever skied at together, the amount of days they were engaged for and the number of years they’ve collectively known their bridal party). It was such fun finding out what each number meant.

Ready for the sweetest first look ever?

And the prettiest portrait photo you’ve ever seen:

Stunning bridal bouquet. And one rad BHDLN leather sash.

To honor their late Grandfathers, Jessy and Erik both poured out a little alcohol during their ceremony. An Illinois beer for Erik’s Grandpa and a select cheap red wine out of a glass mug that Jessy’s Grandpa used to cherish. I loved this nontraditional way of honouring their late loved ones. I’m also a huge sucker for both the processional and recessional at any wedding. I may or may not get teary eyed at every single wedding I send off a bride down the aisle. It never gets old for me :)

For the guest book table, I loved the idea of a flower arrangement coming out of the drawer and Marla really brought this vision to life. For the ‘guest book,’ itself, guests were asked to sign a giant copper sign made by the groom with the couple’s wedding date numeral punched out of it. They plan on having the piece mounted onto wood with the matching table numbers displayed around it thus bringing together all of the numbers – and signatures – that mean the most to them from their special day. Anything unique and memorable that can be displayed in your home after your wedding is a must have in my books.

And whose ready for some spectacular details? Let’s do this.

I had an ampersand piñata custom made by Sara over at Pinyadayada and was so excited to present this little surprise to Jessy and Erik. Natalie my sweet assistant and I, hung this in the tree during cocktail hour so that right before the reception Jessy and Erik could have a little fun in front of all their guests. Right before Jessy smacked the coral and gold ampersand she shouted out to everyone, “This first hit is for all of the anger Erik has ever caused me!” and she hit that thing so hard it flew off the ribbon on the first hit! Everyone was laughing and cheering for her while kids, and a few guests ran to gather all of the candies and little party favors I had stuffed in there (like Andes mints, the couple’s fave and noise makers). Jessy then held out the piñata in her hands so Erik could have one swing at it, finally breaking the thing into two. Such a fabulous part of the day!

This shot is totally going on my office wall as a canvas. I’m obsessed.

Some more details! Favors were bags of coffee from Savor the Flavor, the coffee shop where Jessy and Erik first met. Ironically enough, this batch of coffee was likely one of the last batches from the shop as it recently closed. And the centerpieces were planted herbs Marla handled, like white lavender, rosemary and sage purposely planted in various Anthropologie planters so family and friends could take them home as mementos. Oh and the meal! Crooked Creek Ranch nailed it with the most delicious meal of pulled pork, biscuits, brisket, mac and cheese and coleslaw. Let’s just say there were a few people who ran back up to the food station for seconds and it was obviously easy to see why. What a perfect meal choice.

And the rings, last but not least. Of course, in a bed of coffee beans.

Jessy and Erik, you both together make me happy. I cannot wait to drink personalized wine and eat cookies out of my new Anthro cookie jar only to think of you both with every bite. And I mean that in the most non-creepy way possible of course. Here’s to hundreds of more moments like the ones that filled August 4th of 2012. Happiest of marriages to you both.

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Photography: Michael Murphy IV Photography / Partial planning, design and coordination: Hey Gorgeous Events / Videography: Nathan Kostegian / Flowers: Marla Courtney Wood / Venue: Crooked Creek Ranch / Band: Stevie Ray Ballog / Bride’s accessories, bridesmaid’s accessories, centerpiece planters: Anthropologie / Bride’s gown: Jim Hjelm Blush / Buntings and napkin rings: handmade by the bride / Coffee Favors: Savor the Flavor / Coral table: Fancy Fray / Hair and makeup: Salon Mimi Dearborn / Pinata: Pinyadayada / Wedding pie and dessert: Aunt B’s Cakes and Desserts / Bridal and bridesmaid robes: SingingSlowly / Guys Wear: John W. Nordstrom / Rings: LaRon Jewelers, custom designed / Paper products: Anna Michelle Cards