Alycia & Matt Childhood Sweethearts

September 13, 2019 Shannon Hirlehey

Every once in a while, you hear a love story so special that it deserves to be told over and over again. Well, such is the case for my next couple - Alycia & Matt. While most of us will never forget our first love, very few of us actually end up marrying our childhood sweetheart. Their 16-year journey to the altar is one that has “cuteness” written all over it. Beginning with when they met in the sixth grade, back when letting your crush know you liked them came in the form of a note. It was a long road to the altar for these two, and it was well worth the wait!

The wedding was held at Brooklands Farm in Bracebridge. This stunning property boasts amazing views from every angle so it was no surprise that Alycia had her hopes set on utilizing the outdoor spaces for many of the day’s events. And thanks to the cooperation of Mother Nature, we were able to do just that. The morning of the wedding was calm and stress free. As the bridal party popped the champagne and sang old school tunes, I had a barn full of helping hands to assist with set-up; Alycia's & Matt’s personal cheerleaders, friends and family were ready and willing to help make sure that everything was in place and arranged to the couple’s vision. The support was endless! Aunts, cousins, and friends all ready to fill centerpiece jars with seasonal florals, assemble menu cards, tie bows around the napkins, and set out place cards. Even the bride’s grandmother offered her impeccable penmanship for the hand-written seating chart. It was quite touching to see how much love went into pulling this day together.

The much-anticipated nuptials were of course tear filled, but most noteworthy to me was the very special family processional of three generations. Parents and grandparents went before the bride and groom, each married to their first love and having never separated. What a rare and beautiful thing to see.

The whole day was dreamy, however I have to say the evening was most spectacular. The reception barn had an ideal layout for entertaining; guests were seated at harvest tables which lined the perimeter of the room, and a centralized space for dancing meant easy access and front row seats for every guest to either watch or participate in some impressive dance moves. The central head table offered the perfect spot for the newlyweds to listen to friends and family reminisce about their long journey to the altar. And with already over 16 years together, there were many amazing stories told!

Guests enjoyed a three course menu, which offered seasonal selections to pair with the July day. The most decadent sweets table was awaiting close by, with stacks of cookies, cupcakes, brownies & butter tarts, while the bride & groom snuck off for some much-desired sunset photos [I always make time for these in the schedule, they are a MUST]. Once returned, it was time to thank everyone for celebrating with them, but the most touching part had to be Matt’s tribute to his new wife, as he expressed his gratitude that all those years ago someone told him she had a crush on him - the green light he needed to swoop in and steal her heart forever.

At this point one might have expected the evening to come to an end, but it was actually just getting started! Alycia & Matt invited guests to join them outside, under the stars, for their first dance - surrounded by loved ones and the glow of sparklers… and then the party began! Guests rotated non-stop between the dance floor and the table of goodies on offer under the tent - a popcorn bar, pizza, candy and s’mores.

I could go on and on about these two.. they hold such a special place in my heart. Their personalities are infectious, and you can’t help but fall in love with them. I have no doubt at all that they will continue along the path of the generations before them of living together happily FOREVER after.