My husband and I are about to celebrate our 5th anniversary, and I thought what better time to walk down memory lane than now! Our wedding day was so special (much like everyone expects theirs to be). We loved every minute of it, even the surprise snow. To this day there isn’t one thing we would change – I like to think that is because of my obsessive planning and attention to detail.
Being in the wedding industry, I had Pinterest boards years before I’d like to admit. My husband and I had been together for 9 years before we were married, can you believe it! I had plenty to time to dream up numerous style boards. I read so many blogs with suggestions on what to do and what not to do, but together we made our own list and it worked out amazing. Some of our biggest worries were budget and the venue. I knew I could be resourceful, we just wanted to find the perfect venue for us.
We wanted everything to be in one place; ceremony, reception, and accommodations. Needed to have rustic, winter romance vibes and be able to comfortably accommodate 150-200 people.
After a handful of visits to barns and wineries, we finally landed at the Pillar and Post. It was perfect. We could use the courtyard for the ceremony, the hotel was beautiful, the spa is magical, the reception room was dark and moody and romantic. Not to mention they had off season pricing! Did you know there was a such a thing? Always ask. What’s the worst that can happen – they say no. Best case scenario you get some added value!
What we did not take into account was the one-last, snow storm… 10 days before the wedding. The venue advised we would not be able to use the courtyard due to the snow and the potential mucky ground. That was not going to fly. Luckily most of the snow had melted. We bought a patio heater, gathered up blankets and made sure hand warmers were ready!
We couldn’t have planned it any better. If you ask the Grandmas, they weren’t thrilled to be out in the cold but the rest of our guests still mention how perfect it was. The cherry on top, it started to snow as I was walking down the aisle! Pure magic.
One of the best tips I received while planing was around the budget topic and keeping it under control. Pick 3 things that are your non negotiable. This will help you make difficult decisions later when things start to snowball. Our 3 were; the venue (food & drink), a videographer and the Music/DJ. In our options, those 3 things were going to ensure a good time for our guests and leave us with the best memories of the day.
Invitations
Of course the invitations and paper details were exactly as we wanted. The invitations were digitally printed on a smooth white stock. We also chose to have a postcard RSVP, an additional details card with hotel booking and venue information, tied together with a vellum wrap, custom wax seal and beautiful deep emerald/hunter green envelope.
Music
We hired Michael Saracino to handle the music. He is an incredible local musician as well as a DJ. He played acoustic during the ceremony, cocktail hour and our first dance and DJ’d the rest of the night. He did not disappoint! From time to time we actually go listen to him at local wineries which is such a special treat.
Flowers
Florals, I was willing collect vases, and help where I could. Florals can be very pricey. Allyson at Vine Floral did an incredible job!
Dresses
My mom and I went to a couple of shops which were unsuccessful. A good dress experience is so important. It’s overwhelming, it’s emotional, it’s stressful… not to mention a lot of money. The sizes are messed up, I felt self-conscious. I really valued a smaller shop, less people, more dresses to actually try on in my size, and helpful associates to pick options for me. I suggest, try them all. The ones you aren’t sure about, the ones you don’t like on the hanger, the style you didn’t think you wanted… you don’t want to have any regrets.
For my girls, I wanted something simple. I wanted them to be comfortable and I wanted them to have the option to wear them again. We found success at Loversland in Toronto. We went with the twobirds Zoe dress from the Party Collection in Pewter. I’m bias, but they were stunners.
All I can say is after 5 years, there is almost nothing I would change. Skip the things to avoid lists and must have trends – it’s your day. You do you! Thank you to all our amazing vendors who contributed to our special day!
xo Alanda
Venue Pillar and Post Inn | Dress Blu Ivory | Make-up Victoria Jaski | Flowers Vine Street Floral | Music Michael Saracino | Bridesmaids Dresses Loversland | Hair Preen Salon | Video Joel Barnes
