Let me start off by saying, planning your own wedding is alot of work. Planning your own wedding while ALSO being part of the wedding industry, even harder (That’s why I eloped on a beach). Giving up control, trusting someone else to do what you do… Seeing weddings each and every weekend, you quickly know what you do want, what you don’t want and everything else in between. The key, being able to step away from it all on your special day to let others take the lead, not an easy task. Melody, an incredibly talented West Coast Photographer fell into these very shoes, and handled it wayyy better than I would. Mel knew exactly what she needed to do in order to enjoy her day. Complete with itineraries, lists, photo references, detailed directions etc. basically every vendors dream client. Not to mention all taking place while living out west, so these planning visits back home to Ontario (where her venue was), were few and far between - Meaning, staying ontop of priority items were important, even months before one who might be local needs to start considering it.

Mel was a rockstar! She showed me trends I probably would have been years behind in learning about, and touching moments that I felt completely made this day truly Mel & Gabe;

• I now totally recommend ceremony beer boys, with alternating petal throws.

• White chalk will remove stains (so bride’s pack this in your day of emergency kit).

• A floral basket for bridesmaids in lieu of a bouquet is actually incredibly functional to repurpose in the reception.

• Reading your vows at your first look is a really special, and private moment.

• Having your mom marry you is pretty freaking cool!

• One should always find a ceremony spot that offers a door reveal, to the bride awaiting her first steps down the aisle.

• Getting an aerial view of your your reception tent (via drone) is incredible end of the night footage.

• If your wedding dreams are to be a princess for a day, than gosh darnitt you embrace it!

When you are so busy in the hustle and bustle of a wedding day (from the planner perspective), you see these moments happening, but in flashes. You wonder, does it seem as busy to everyone else in this moment, can they sense we are doing 20 things at once, are the beads of sweat on my forehead noticeable as I walk the bride over to her first looks. A feeling of complete pride, when you can look back and watch the day from the client’s eyes (i.e. their wedding gallery) - Flawless, beaming from ear to ear, and looking darn good!

Mel & Gabe, you made me smile (and sweat) BUT looking back at these photos I feel so lucky to have become a friend and to have felt like a guest at your wedding. Its hard not to be totally in awe of you two together, #burniewedding!

Partial Planning: All Things Love Events
Venue: Private Property
Catering: Culinary Creations by Christina
Photographer: Jackie Kalch Photography
Videographer: Love Photos + Film
Florist: Astilbe Floral Boutique
DJ: Supreme DJ’s
Tent & Rentals: Westway Tents
Decor: Pure Elegance Decor
Wedding Cake: Sugar Chalet
Hair & Makeup: Erynn Shannon Makeup & Hair