Amber & Stuart’s Autumn Filled Wedding

February 3, 2020 Shannon Hirlehey

Rounding off my 2019 season were Amber and Stuart. I was so appreciative to have been introduced to this couple by the lovely Emily, owner and creative behind the lens at Emily Jean Photography.

When this pair came to me, we had 18 months to go before the big day. Amber and Stuart were looking for only day-of coordination but by the time our consultation meeting was over they had put their trust in my knowledge and expertise, and requested that I be more involved in the planning and design process to ensure no detail would be overlooked. This, folks, is why I encourage all couples to partake in vendor consultations. Not only is it a great way to connect on a personal level but it’s an even greater opportunity to dig deep, find out precisely what your needs are (perhaps ones you hadn’t even considered) and to discover how this person can help.

So, with the request for a little more planning assistance we started at the beginning: defining the wedding vision - the most critical element to nail down. (How can you start planning your dream day if you don’t actually know what it looks like?) For Amber and Stuart, their vision was the comforts of Autumn.

We started planning in April of 2018 so there was plenty of time for planning and to, well, clear some hurdles. Throughout, these two were champs. They graciously addressed any changes or issues that arose without ever losing their excitement and determination to have a wedding that would be everything they had spent so much time dreaming about.

And so here’s how it went…

The sun was shining, the leaves were changing colour, and with a crisp chill in the air the setting was set for the most picture-perfect day.

As the couple first beheld each other I was moved to hear the groom say to his bride as he turned around to see her for the first time “Oh Amber, you look so beautiful”. (I of course was peering close by to catch and swoon over this special moment.) Immediately following the first look came photos; Amber and Stuart chose to tackle this component prior to the ceremony so that they could be part of the cocktail hour, which was important to them.

The outdoor ceremony setting for this Autumn wedding was cozy and intimate. Letting nature itself provide the backdrop, the décor was kept simple, thus keeping the focus on Amber and Stuart. The bridal party was sung down the aisle to the incredible vocals of James Cameron. The fruits of this long-awaited moment were fully evident, witnessed most notably in their beautiful, personalized vows.

The outdoor Cocktail Hour was all about mingling, with drinks in hand and food in the belly. Inside, the vendor team was finishing the set up, transforming the community centre into a wedding setting fit to host the couple’s nearest and dearest. Sarah, owner of Stunninglydunn Décor, is the queen of all things décor!! She created not just one, but three draped backdrops spanning 24 feet, with a central chandelier creating the most enchanting focal point for the 12-person head table.

Of course, a fall wedding would not be complete without the colour burgundy. Careful touches were included in the chair sashes, napkins and florals. The rich, berry-hued, wine-inspired jewel tone beautifully paired with the subtle hints of greenery and bolder accents of gold, from the charger plates and place card cut-outs.

Guests were welcomed into the reception room with the aromas of dinner signaling a wonderful meal on the horizon. First though would come the couple’s grand entrance and their first dance; the music for this special moment was once again performed live by the amazing James Cameron Band. Speeches would directly follow the meal - a recommendation I always make when hosting a buffet, as it allows for a less disruptive transition into the next stage of the evening - dancing. The Band kept the dance floor alive until a light break was taken to enjoy the highlight of the evening: The Fo’ Cheezy Food truck pulled up ready to offer a selection of decadent grilled cheese sandwiches, with a side of Cheetos!! WOW! What a unique and fun end to an amazing day.

This was a particularly special wedding for me. After 18 months together, I really got to know these two and am so grateful for the opportunity to witness their special relationship and for the bond we developed. Amber and Stuart are not just valued clients, they are now also treasured friends.

Cinematic Montage by Patrick G Films