Radiant Bride at radius restaurant

Terri and Matt are an adorable couple who like unique and casual things and doing things "out of the box". And that even included their choice of wedding venue! With their theme of rustic Trees... bringing the outdoors in... they found the decor of radius quite suitable for their wedding.

Matt installed strings of lights on the restaurant's rooftop patio, adding unique ambiance for their early evening wedding ceremony. The patio was set up with white folding chairs and the "altar" backdrop was antique doors hinged together. The aisle was lined with tree stumps as bases for assorted candle lanterns.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails in the dining room while the couple had some great photos done outside and on the city street.

Matt, being a talented woodworker, made a beautiful wooden bench that was on display as the "guest book" for their guests to sign. Guests were given small tree saplings as take-away gifts.

Instead of a wedding cake, a table made of an old door on top of two large wine barrels held assorted pastries and sweets. To display these desserts, assorted tree stumps in various sizes and heights were set on the table and then the desserts set on top of each stump.

This was a very creative display and kept perfectly within their theme.

This couple was all about close family and friends - and this was a wonderful wedding to celebrate the things that meant the most to them.

Congratulations Matt & Terri!



VENDORS:
Venue: radius restaurant www.radius.ca
Pastries: Cake & Loaf Bakery www.cakeandloaf.ca
Flowers: Edna Millar Flowers www.ednamillerflowers.com

Photographer: Stad Creative www.stadcreative.com
Rentals: My Key Event Rentals www.mykeyevent.com
DJ: Precious jp1987@hotmail.com
Favours: H Richardson Farms www.Johnhrichardsonfarms.com

Vow Renewal Wedding Celebration

Kaylin and Stefan live in Holland, and for various reasons it was better for them to be married than just engaged - so they actually got married at city hall in Holland last May... Fast forward to this year, and finally, they were able to celebrate their marriage with a full wedding celebration here in Ontario with family & friends.

The ceremony was held at Crossroads Chapel in Burlington with about 50 guests in attendance. Ceremony music was provided by a flute duet, which sounded beautiful! Stefan walked down the aisle with their 2 year old daughter, Peyton in hand and carrying their 3 month old daughter McKinley in his arm - a sweet picture of Groom Daddy with his girls! Kaylin was stunning in her strapless dress and brought a huge smile to Stefan's face! Family friend, Ken, officiated the renewal of their vows ceremony with a touching ceremony that included vows, exchanging rings, a blessing on married couples in attendance and a blessing on them as parents.

After family photos at Crossroads and then bridal party photos at the quaint Village Square in downtown Burlington, an intimate reception was held in the private dining room of Paradiso Restaurant. Father & son team, Casey & Connor shared the MC & DJ responsibilities, bringing great music and personal touches to the celebration. Tender speeches with a few tears, funny stories with some good laughs, a delicious meal and a fun dance were enjoyed by all. It was truly a celebration of a wonderful couple!

Congratulations Kaylin & Stefan on one year of marriage and on your wonderful wedding celebration day!



VENDORS:
Ceremony Venue: Crossroads Chapel www.crossroads.ca
Reception Venue: Paradiso Restaurant www.paradisorestaurant.com
Florist: Samantha Forrest of Pocket of Posies http://pocketofposies.ca/
Linen Rentals: With All My Heart Wedding Décor www.withallmyheartweddingdecor.ca
Photographer: Don Golding of Boutique Wedding Photography http://www.boutiqueweddingphotography.ca/
Cake: Wedding Cakes By Design www.weddingcakesbydesign.ca
Ceremony Flutists: Elaine whiskin@univmail.cis.mcmaster.ca;
Videographer, MC, DJ, Officiant.... wonderful friends of the family!

Hot Day for a Rustic Chique Wedding

Deanna & Adam had a rather hot summer day for their wedding on July 14th - but the humidity didn't put a bit of a damper on the day at Balls Falls Conservation Park. A nice breeze helped to keep things comfortable!

The ceremony was held in the country chapel on the grounds and then had time for photos on the grounds. Many of the guests enjoyed winery tours at nearby wineries... others stayed around and enjoyed lemonade and garden games - and relaxing on picnic tables and on picnic blankets under trees.

The cocktail hour & reception was held in the barn .... set with square tables for guests, the head table set up in front of open barn doors with the chapel in the background. The tables had a burlap runner down the center and then mason jars of wild flowers, candy sticks and mini lights.

Chinese lanterns with mini lights in them were hung from the ceiling... and mini lights wrapped the beam posts and were tacked around the perimeter of the barn. The colours were grey, pale yellow, light green. A unique idea was using old window frames to showcase the seating chart... one table list in each window pane!

The bridal party guys were dressed in grey casual pants, white shirts, blue plaid skinny ties and blue 'runners'.

Girls wore casual grey, short dresses. After the ceremony, the bride kicked back and relaxed in her Burkenstocks!

Congratulations Deanna & Adam on being a fun, relaxed and wonderful bridal couple! All the best in your new life together as husband & wife!


VENDORS:
Venue - Balls Falls Conservation Park www.ballsfalls.ca/plan-your-event/weddings/
Caterer - Niche Catering www.nichecatering.ca/
Photographer - Shawn Taylor Photography www.shawntaylor.ca/
Transportation - Niagara Classic Tranport www.nctcanada.com
DJ - Spectra Audio Visual www.avniagara.ca/home.htm
Flowers - The Watering Can https://thewateringcan.securesite.ca/

A Beautiful Day for a Great Couple!

Jason & Melanie have been planning their wedding day for over a year and a half, with Jason counting down the days, hours & minutes on Facebook for much of that time!! Finally, this past Saturday, they became husband & wife!

Community Church in Waterdown was the venue for both the ceremony and reception ... and all the decor was done in both blue & green, the bride's favourite colours. :

Melanie is also a big "DIY"er - and so many of the decor elements were made by her... tissue balls of all sizes, seating chart, lettering for bulletin boards, posters of family photos, table name cards, etc. The tables were all named after wedding movies... Father of the Bride, The Wedding Singer, Meet the Parents, The Wedding Planner, etc.

The ceremony included personally written vows, a hand ceremony and a sand ceremony - as well as a special song sung by one of the bridesmaids. After the ceremony, the bridal party had photos taken in the yard behind the church and guests enjoyed appetizers on the patio while the cermeony room was "flipped" and turned into the reception hall.

After a buffet dinner, speeches and a couple of fun games, the couple danced their first dance to a song sung and played on guitar by the father of the groom & his friend. The guests enjoyed dancing as well as playing fooseball, air hockey, pingpong & basketball in an adjacent games room! It was an intimate and fun evening.

Congratulations Jason & Melanie - thanks for letting me be such an intimate part of your wedding day!

VENDORS
Venue - Community Church - www.communitychurch.ca
Officiant - Matt Pamplin, pastor of Grindstone Church mpamplin@grindstonechurch.com
Musician & Makeup Artist - Christie Latta christielatta@gmail.com
Soloist - Catherine Wickett - catwickett@gmail.com
DJ - Aaron White - www.djaaronwhite.com
Caterers - Maitre 'd Catering - http://www.goldbook.ca/burlington-on/caterers/maitre-d-catering-5201/
Decorators - Marian Van Geest & Jan Stevens of Van Geest Special Occasions - www.vangeestspecialoccasions.com/
Florist - Samantha Forrest of Pocket of Posies - www.pocketofposies.ca
Cake Decorator - Grant Brierly of Grant's Custom Cakes - grantbrierley_@hotmail.com
Linen Rentals - Josie Gibson of With All My Heart Wedding Decor - www.withallmyheartweddingdecor.ca/
Videographer - Jason Matos Photography -
http://www.jasonmatosphoto.com/
Photographer - Heather Braaten (friend of family)
Assistant Wedding Coordinator - Susan Zuk of Elegant Details www.elegantdetails.ca
Volunteers who helped with various elements of wedding: Karen Hayes, Mary Montini, Jolaine Montgomery, Lois Montgomery, Sonya Cuttriss, Pauline, Jo-Anne & Marc Rudy, Shantelle Matos, Liz Walmsley,

Beautiful Wedding Day!

Yesterday, we were watching the weather with a close eye all day... as the clouds kept rolling in, threatening rain for Patt & Kelly's outdoor ceremony at Liuna Gardens. However as the ceremony time approached, the clouds let up and the rain held off! Kelly had to fight the wind blowing her veil into her step-dad's face coming down the aisle, and the wind was a bit cool at times, but the ceremony was beautiful, overlooking the various colours of the lake.

Guests enjoyed cocktails on the patio to the great music of a jazz band while the couple had creative photos taken around the grounds at Liuna.

The reception kicked off with the couple doing their first dance - which was "accented" with a tradition from the groom's family... where all the family members came up and literally wrapped the couple in streamers and paper ribbons. I've never seen anything quite like it - but I had been warned that this would likely happen at some point in the evening! Its interesting to see what families do as traditions!! Following this dance, the cake cutting and the bride's speech, a delicious and very filling meal was served, interspersed with other speeches. Dancing lasted well into the night, and included a bride & friends rendition of "YMCA"... costume hats and all!!

It was a wonderful family celebration and obvious that this couple is well loved by their family and friends. Such an honour to be part of their wonderful day! Congratulations Patt & Kelly as you begin your new journey as husband & wife.

VENDORS:
Liuna Gardens - www.liunagardens.com
White Orchid Weddings (officiant Anne Blinch) - www.whiteorchidweddingceremonies.com
Mike's DJ Service (Live Musicians and DJ/MC) - www.mikesdjservice.ca
Amazon Lens Photographers - www.amazonlens.ca
Wedding Cake & favours - Sweet Celebrations Wedding Cakes - www.sweetcelebrationsweddingcakes.com
Decor & Flowers by Sue Gallo Designs - www.suegallodesigns.com
Late Night Sedan Pickup - Mermaid Limo - www.mermaidlimo.com

Steam Whistle Brewery Unique Wedding!

Laura & Mike's wedding on Sept 24th, 2011 was held at one of the most unique venues I've been to for a wedding... the Steam Whistle Brewery in downtown Toronto. The Brewery is located in the historic train round house, right at the base of the CN Tower.

The bridal party got ready in a luxurious suite at the Royal York and did their photos prior to the wedding - both at the hotel and also on the grounds of Steam Whistle.
The evening was clear and comfortable for the 7 pm ceremony which was held outside on the patio - with train cars in view, the CN tower just off the to the side and the lights of the city starting to come on.

A cocktail party reception was held in the large "warehouse" space (The Hall) of the Steam Whistle. The room was set up with numerous cruiser tables, "ghost" bar stools (clear plastic) and groupings of white leather sofas, benches & ottomans. Uplighting on the wooden beam pillars and lots of candles everywhere helped create a warm ambiance. The party got into full swing immediately following the ceremony, with the bar open, appetizers and food stations set out and the DJ cranking up the tunes and got the light show going. An old-fashioned photo booth was kept busy during the night with guests dressing up and getting their photos taken.

It was definitely not a traditional wedding, but the contemporary "cocktail party" theme of this wedding suited the venue, the couple and the guests perfectly - a very unique day that I'm sure everyone will remember for a long time!

Congratulations Laura & Mike!






VENDORS:

Steam Whistle Brewery - www.steamwhistle.ca
10tation Catering - www.10tation.com
Contemporary Furniture Rentals - www.cfrentals.com
Jayme Van Geest Photography - www.jvgphotography.com
Nth Degree DJ - www.nthdegreegroup.ca
White Orchid Wedding Ceremonies - www.whiteorchidweddingceremonies.com
The Wedding Cake Shoppe - https://theweddingcakeshoppe.com/
Rachel Sherlock, Florist - creativelygreen@hotmail.com
Fairmont Royal York Hotel - hotel & SUV limo service - www.fairmont.com/RoyalYork

A Fairy Tale BARN Wedding!!

Yesterday could not have been a more perfect day for Bride Katie & Groom David!! The weather cooperated more than we could have hoped for... slight cloud cover, gentle breeze, comfortable temperatures and NO Rain!!

The farm property of Katie's parents was tranformed into a fun, relaxed and yet elegant wedding venue for the big day. White chairs were lined up for the ceremony overlooking the large pond. The aisle was lined with shepherd's hooks with hanging mason jars filled with simple daisies.

As guests arrived, they were served lemonade at the gazebo by the pool. Gift cards were placed in an antique suitcase.

The girls dresses were all made by the mother of the bride (as were all the decor items for the day!!) Dresses were short, all the same style but in different colours... royal blue, deep purple, fuschia and deep turquoise. The girls all carried bundles of wheat and lavendar... and they all wore cowboy boots! The guys sported tuxedos with vests & ties to match the girls. Four adorable children rounded out the bridal party.

After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed a signature cocktail called the "Striker" and many delicious varieties of appetizers. They also entertained themselves by visiting the "photobooth" and then playing various "garden games" such as bean bag toss, horseshoes, giant jenga, croquette, etc. The receiving line allowed guests to finally enter the barn... an incredible and amazing facility that the brides' parents have completely renovated to be an event space. The huge barn beams were lit up with strands of mini lights. The walls were decorated with a wide variety of antiquities and "country" decor. Long tables were set up with white linens and runners made of burlap. Place cards were also made of burlap. Centerpieces were assorted tin containers with ivy and purple flowers and raffia, as well as mason jars with sand and pillar candles.

The upper level of the barn seated a few other guests & wedding helpers - and this was also where the live band was set up. The "hub" of the barn was the uniquely designed "saloon" built right into the center of the barn. A very popular spot all evening!

The bride and groom were introduced into the reception, encircled by their bridal party holding sparklers... and then the couple proceeded to perform a well-choreographed first dance, much to everyone's delight & surprise!

A buffet meal was served at a tent outside, followed by homemade pies and carrot cake served in one part of the barn after. Local Band, 'Ziggy Jones' kept the crowd dancing to great music. Later in the evening, many homemade squares as well as some pizzas were put out for guests to enjoy. Several of the guests also enjoyed the fresh evening air around a huge bonfire with some musicians singing & playing guitars.

It was indeed a magical and special day - full of great memories and fun times with friends & family - a wedding day to remember!!

VENDORS:
Young Hearts Photographers www.younghearts.ca
Flowers from Holland Park Gardens Burlington www.hollandpark.com
Ziggy Jones Band (& DJ) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ziggy-Jones/143124855718020?sk=wall
Its My Potty www.itsmypotty.com
Caterers from Oakville Conference Centre www.oakvilleconference.com

Hamilton Bridal Show was a great weekend!

January 9 & 10th was a great weekend at the Hamilton Bridal Show... the largest number of attendees since 2006!!

Each day featured two awesome fashion shows highlighting the newest bridal fashions as well as grooms, mothers and kids.

Two floors of vendors were on hand showcasing their goods & services.


I had the privilege of talking with many wonderful couples, brides & moms and their friends. Four lucky brides won the beautiful gift baskets that I had a draw for.

I look forward to following up with the many brides I met that weekend.
My goal is to meet with bridal couples over a cup of coffee (my treat & no obligation) to hear about their wedding plans and share with them the Wedding Day Coordination services I can provide to them to make their special day the best it can be... stress free & well organized for them!

Planning your Wedding?! Come to the Hamilton-Halton Bridal Show!

I trust that everyone had a great Christmas celebration with family & friends. And now that the holidays are winding down, it'll be time for all you engaged couples to begin to set your mind & efforts on planning your wedding day! WHAT FUN that can be. But also, what a lot of stress it can be as well... I mean, with so many options out there for you, WHERE do you even begin?

Here's two great tips for you as you start focussing in on your wedding plans.

1. Attend the Hamilton-Halton Bridal show .
This is a great opportunity to find awesome vendors in your area who are eager and willing to serve you, give you great deals and to talk with you face to face. Jan.8-9, from 11am - 5pm each day, you can wander through two floors of vendors, enjoy bridal fashion shows & get TONS of great ideas. Come with labels pre-printed to make entering draws faster for you! (Name, Address, Phone, Email, Wedding date) And when you come, take the time to actually talk to vendors. Of course they are all wanting to get their information into your hands, but the best thing to do is to speak to them - tell them what you're looking for, find out what they're offering and be open to new ideas! We vendors are full of great resources and are more than happy to do what we can to help you plan the best wedding ever!

Be sure to stop by my booth on the 3rd floor to say "Hi!" and to fill out a ballot to win one of several great items that will be drawn for after the show!

2. Seriously consider hiring a Wedding Planner or Coordinator.
A Wedding Planner can be an amazing source of help & support and a real time-saver for you as you begin to plan all aspects of your wedding. A Planner is with you through the whole process to assist and guide through the full planning stages.

However, if you prefer to find your vendors/venues on your own, then you might just need the services of a Wedding Day Coordinator. A Coordinator will work closely with you during the last month before your wedding - helping you to pull all the details & loose ends together, creating your wedding day schedule, confirming all your vendors, and being on hand to ensure that all your wedding day logistics come together just as you expect them to!


I am a certified wedding planner and I would be happy to provide you with full or partial planning services... But my true area of specialty and passion is in providing brides with Wedding Day Coordination services!


I look forward to meeting you at the show - and possibly even working alongside of you during the planning of your special day.

REMEMBER....
We take care of your wedding day details so that you don't have to!
Good luck with all your wedding plans - and enjoy the experience!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BRIDAL SHOW:
http://www.topweddingshows.com/

The Beauty of Live Music for your Wedding Ceremony

There is nothing quite like having a live musician performing at your wedding ceremony. Many times couples try to save a few bucks by using recorded music off an Ipod or MP3 player... but a live musicians adds such a special touch to the ceremony that recorded music can't touch.

When you use recorded music, you have to be so very careful with the cueing & timing... where do you actually start the song for the processional? How long do you need to play it for the bridal party to get down the aisle? Will the song be at a place that will be a "natural" fading out point? What will come on for the bride?
Sure couples have their favourite songs that they may want to use for the walk down the aisle - but often they fail to recognize that the length of the aisle & the time it will take to walk down it doesn't coincide well with the song!

And often, couples who use recorded music also just use "a cousin or friend" to control the music cueing, playing & fading out, which unfortunately doesn't always work out timing wise or doesn't transition smoothly.
Live musicians, however, are "in the moment". They are in the very center of the activity so they know exactly what is happening, and their flexibility allows them to be able to "go with the flow" of events. Sso if the bride is running late, or if the bridal party takes longer to walk down the aisle than expected, or if the flower girl has a meltdown part-way down the aisle and needs to be "rescued".... these are all situations that can cause mayhem to recorded music - but not to a live musician who will simply adapt the music to the situation. They can either cut a song short and provide a very smooth "natural" ending to the song, or they can extend the piece in order to avoid any "dead" space.

A live musician can see the need of the moment and quickly change their planned music in order to fill that need. And when you hire a musician who is passionate about their talent - then their presence and performance will only serve to grace & enhance your ceremony.
Because of this, I always recommend to my bridal couples that they find a live musician to take care of the ceremony music. Perhaps the ceremony is in a church and the church can provide you with an organist or pianist. If not, why not a string trio or a flutist or a classical guitarist or a violinist or a steel pannist. There are many great musicians out there who will do your wedding for a very reasonable cost - especially some that are not hugely well-known. Ask your ceremony venue for recommendations.
Or call a local church for suggestions (even if you aren't getting married at the church - often they have extremely gifted musicians who attend the church who are also willing to perform at ceremonies). Contact local music teachers or music schools or theatre companies... there are SO many gifted people who just need to be given a chance to showcase their talent for very inexpensive rates!


I have seen ceremonies (& often also the cocktail hours) serenaded by the following talented musicians who I would highly recommend:

Pianist/Soloist - Christie Latta (christielatta@gmail.com)
Pianist/Soloist - Andrea Gal (www.andreagal.ca)
Steel Pannist - Steve Perez (stepoo@sympatico.ca)
Steel Pannist - Kenn Lewis (www.kenlewis.com)
Harpist - Chantal Dube (info@chantaldube.com)
Harpist - Kristen Theriault (kristen@harpnoise.com)

I was also this week just introduced to a very talented, young Harpist that I have yet to hear in person, but who I've seen on YouTube - and who impresses me greatly! Her name is Camille Inston - check her out! (http://web.me.com/camilleintson/harp/Home.html)

Take some time to consider the theme, the tone, the beauty of your ceremony (& cocktail hour) and then consider how the right musician will just add that personal, classy touch to the event!

WPIC Wedding Planners Conference - Nassau Bahamas!

I am so excited about the upcoming Wedding Planners Conference being organized by the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC). About 150 planners from across North America are meeting in Nassau Bahamas on Monday for 5 days. Cocktail hour at Atlantis Hotel, Seminars at Breezes Resort & Sheraton Resort, Seminars & Gala Event at Sandals. Tours of resorts that specialize in destination weddings.

Great speakers including:
Keynote speaker Colin Cowie!!

& other speakers:
Jung Lee
Mary Dann
Peter Merry
& others!

Should be a GREAT week of learning, challenges, networking and business growth ideas!

http://www.weddingconf.com/

Fall SPECIAL!!

This is a special announcement to all brides & grooms planning their future wedding!

I am offering a FALL BOOKING SPECIAL - but the offer is quickly coming to an end!

Call to book an appointment before OCTOBER 31st, 2010 and you will qualify to book your Wedding Day Coordination package at the 2010 package rates!

This is a great deal for you - no matter if your wedding is in the last couple months of 2010 or anytime in 2011 or even later!

CALL: 905-220-9239
EMAIL: mgayla@cogeco.ca
WEBSITE: www.LeaveTheDetailsToMe.ca

Save money by reserving YOUR wedding date with me now - and avoid the rate increases that are coming November 1st!

Looking forward to hearing from YOU!!

Despite Gusting Wind & Threat of Rain, the Wedding was Amazing!

Amy had her heart set on being married outside, overlooking the lake at Liuna Gardens in Stoney Creek. For a half hour just prior to ceremony, the debate was on... would the ceremony be outside or inside?!! The wind was whipping, tree branches falling down & chairs wouldn't stay set up. And just as the bride arrived, it began to spit rain. But her dream was firmly in place, and with the support & encouragement of a wonderful bridal party, her photographer, officiant and her soon-to-be-husband.... Amy decided to risk the weather to have the wedding of her dreams.

And it all worked out beautifully. Yes, the wind kept blowing. Yes, a few rain drops fell off & on.... but what was the most important was that Amy married the love of her life, Chris, in the outdoor ceremony of her dreams!

During the photos, a few more raindrops fell - but soon enough, the wind slowed down a bit and the sun even came out!


The reception was beautifully decorated in white & red and candle-light. Great speeches from fathers & friends, delicious food, wonderful service, awesome music... a great evening!
Especially touching was the the bride's dance with her father - where they were just in a world of their own, talking and sharing such special moments with laughter & tears together as "Butterfly Kisses" played in the background. (I mean really - how can you NOT shed a tear or two watching that?!!)

Congratulations Amy & Chris....
I'm so happy your day turned out to be exactly what you had wanted it to be!!

Vendors:
Venue: Liuna Gardens www.liunagardens.com
Officiant: Reverend Deborah Coleman www.deborahcoleman.ca
Photographer: Alyssa Alkema www.alyssaalkema.com
Videographer & DJ: AMV Pros www.amvpros.com
Cake: Lakeview Pastry www.lakeviewpastry.com
Florist & Decorator: Sue Gallo Designs www.suegallodesigns.com
Limo Service: Celebrity Limousines www.celebritylimousine.ca
Hair & Makeup: Joseph's Coiffures www.josephscoiffures.ca
Invitations, Table Cards, Seating Chart: Inviting Elegance www.invitingelegance.ca

Great Day at Cambridge Bridal Show

This past Sunday was a great day for the Cambridge Fairy Tale Bridal Show. It was a sunny and refreshing fall day as brides, grooms & their "entourages" made their way to the Portuguese Club in Cambridge. Many vendors were set up inside - displaying their wares & services and some were offering delicious cake & cupcake samples! Then, outside the hall, under a huge tent, more of us vendors were set up.

The flow of guests was pretty steady throughout a good part of the day - and many brides stuck around to the end for the door prize draws and the draw for the grand prize of a free honeymoon to the Dominican Republic!


Just a reminder to all brides who attended the show....
if you'd like to book my services to be your personal wedding day coordinator, be sure to do so before October 31, 2010 in order to reserve your date at the 2010 prices!

And if you aren't sure you need a coordinator - I'd love the opportunity to meet with you over a cup of coffee - my treat & NO obligation - just to chat with you about your wedding plans & needs and to share with you the benefits of the services I can offer to you!

Hope to hear from you brides soon!


And have fun planning your special day!

Bride's Morning Disappointment Doesn't Diminish Her Beauty in Any Way!

Shashika's day as a bride didn't start out too well - when her hair stylist failed to show up at her house to take care of her long, gorgeous hair, a bit of panic set in! However, family stepped in and helped to style her hair - and that of the bridal party! And they did a GREAT job! And while this set-back caused a short delay in the start of the wedding, everyone finally arrived - looking wonderful!! - and the ceremony proceeded with joy & special touching moments.

After the ceremony, photos were taken at the Illuminaqua Ampitheatre along the canal in Welland with family members, and then at the stately old courthouse with the bridal party. Then, the limo whisked the couple off to Niagara Falls. At a hotel there, Shashika changed into a "greek goddess" style wedding gown that her mother had made - and then they were off to the Botanical Gardens for their couple photos.

Meanwhile, friends & family gathered at the Club Italia hall in Niagara Falls for cocktails. When the bride & groom arrived, they greeted their guests in a receiving line, and then guests were then given a token gift which was a memorial to Joe's brother who recently passed away after a brief battle with cancer. A glass of champagne embellished with a "wild hisbiscus edible flower" in it was given to each guest as they entered the banquet hall for the reception.

All the flowers - bouquets, boutineers, centerpieces, church pew decor, and 4 large flower displays - were gorgeous in whites & yellows, providing sunny accents to the girls' yellow gowns. (Gowns & flowers were all made by Shashika's mom - what a talented lady!!)

So, despite the disappointing start to Shashikas' day - and despite the threat of rain all day - in the end, the wedding day was a huge success.... with beautiful hair and NO rain... and great memories made for this wonderful couple!


Congratulations Shashika & Joe!






VENDORS:
Ceremony Site: Rev.Will Alakas of Holy Trinity Anglican Church http://www.niagara.anglican.ca/parishes/index.cfm?PID=218
Photographer: Sarah of Indigo Stars Photography www.indigostarsphotography.ca
DJ & Videographer: Matt & Chris of Liquid Cube Productions www.liquidcubeproductions.com
Reception Hall: Club Italia www.clubitalia.ca
Decor Rentals: Creative Imports www.creativeimports.ca
Head & Cake Table Decor: Christina of Gala Decor www.galadecor.ca
Wedding Cake: Cheryl Miller www.cmweddingcakes.vpweb.com
Limo: Exquisite Limo www.exquisitelimo.ca