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Ben + Brittney
“I Choose You”
Planner: Mary Ann Mehigan | Celebrations
Officiant: Rev. Donovan Myers
Guests: 70
Flowers: Celebrations |Tables – baby’s breath and roses, bridal bouquet had Purple Cabbage, Hydrangeas, Lavender Roses with mixed Foliages
Live Music: Martin Van Zyl
Hair and Makeup: Jens Beauty Box and Hair Studio
DJ: DJ Craig | OneWorld
Jewellery: Sarah Walsh Bridal | Cowboy Boots Dan Post
Dress Boutique and Dress Designer: I don’t remember who my dress designer was – I bought it when I was in Canada for my grandmother’s 80th – the bridal shop managed to alter it 2 days so I could take it home with me.
Caterers: Papappagallo | I would highly recommend them – they were so easy to work with and we knew we were in good hands! So many people have commented on the meal as well!
I bought my dress from a store called New Line Fashion (http://www.newlinefashion.ca/) in Regina Saskatchewan when I went home for my grandmother’s 80th birthday. Both my parents were with me and my daughter. Technically Ben was there too but he made sure he was wandering around outside when I was trying dresses on! I tried on quite a few in the store but narrowed it down to just two. I think I knew it was the one all along but decision making isn’t my strong suit so I tried them both on about 3 times and finally made the decision! The guys were pretty easy – Ben found his suit (Tommy Hilfiger) and just got the guys get the same dress pants with a white shirt and we bought them purple paisley ties as part of their gifts.
My jewellery (bracelet and earrings) was from Sarah Walsh Bridal (on etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SarahWalshBridal) – I absolutely fell in love with it and it looked even better in person. My shoes were purple cowboy boots from Dan Post (loved them!). http://www.danpostboots.com/ My hair pieces were from Le Chateau and I wore a pearl necklace that my grandfather gave my grandmother on their wedding day. Our caterers were Ristorante Papappagallo – I would highly recommend them – they were so easy to work with and we knew we were in good hands! So many people have commented on the meal as well!
I used theknot.com for a lot of items (like our sand for the sand ceremony; the paper lanterns, votives for the tables, the custom-made glasses for the groom/groomsmen, custom robes for the bride/bridal party and my mum). Etsy also played a part – as mentioned, I purchased my jewellery but also purchased bracelets for my bridesmaids and my mum, as well as a handkerchief for my dad, cufflinks for Ben and some custom plastic glasses for the reception (https://www.etsy.com/market/sip_sip_hooray)
Handmade for the most part! I wrapped glass jars in burlap/lace for the centrepieces (highboys were tin cans that I wrapped in twine on the top and bottom and handmade burlap ‘roses’ for the centres); my dad cut all the signage and I painted them with the help of my bridesmaides and my mum. I purchased a few votives for the tables as well
We met playing softball with the Lonestar Masterbatters in September 2012. We talked off and on but were worried about taking the next step because we had a very similar circle of friends and knew the consequences of things not working out. It wasn’t until after a Saturday game in August of 2013 that we started seeing each other. We chatted about everything under the sun until about 3:30 in the morning. The next day, Ben asked me out on a date and the rest, as they say, is history!
We did indeed! We wanted to be able to enjoy our cocktail hour with our guests as much as possible and also wanted to have a private moment just the two of us so the ‘first look’ was a perfect option for us because it meant we go to do both!
Ben thoughtfully planned out an amazing ‘date night’ for me. We started the evening at Mizu for a drink, which is where we met before our first ever movie-date. We then made our way to Edoardo’s, where we had our first official dinner date. We had a great little table in the corner and were treated to a glass of prosecco from Angelo (not sure how that didn’t put up red flags for me…). We ordered dinner and chatted casually. Ben kept checking his phone and I was trying hard not to let it annoy me. I also wasn’t feeling well sadly and at one point had to excuse myself from the table. When I got back, Ben could tell I wasn’t feeling well and decided it was time for me to open my “push present”. I opened my gift and there was an iPhone 6 with a note attached. The note detailed that he had picked a gift he thought would help us capture new memories together. I opened the phone box only to find another note – finally my brain caught up and sure enough when I turned over the note as per the instructions, there was a ring! Ben was down on one knee and…well…here we are!
It was awesome! There were definitely times of stress in the lead up to the big day (and LOTS and LOTS of prep/planning)- but it was all worth it! We had the best day ever! The rain made it special – I was thankful it held off for the ceremony and dinner…but it made the dance party that much more fun!
I think we had enough time – there are always shots you think of after-the-fact but I think that’s just partly because I’ve been fortunate enough to see thousands and thousands of wedding photos and know just how many choices there are for locations/poses etc!
We loved every single one of our vendors, they absolutely made our day! Venue: Sea Orchard Retreat (https://www.seaorchardretreat.com/) Fiona is fantastic to work with, super responsive to emails and was always accommodating whenever I needed to have a quick look at the venue to try and figure out how I was going to lay everything out. Caterer: Ristorante Pappagallo – you can’t go wrong with these guys! They’ve done so many weddings and will help you with everything from menu selections to quantities for your bar etc. DJ: DJ Craig from OneWorld (https://www.facebook.com/One-World-166282803411988/) – I’ve been fortunate to attend several weddings/events that he’s worked at so I knew he was fantastic. I still have people commenting on how good the music was and the fact that he kept people out on the dance-floor in the pouring rain speaks volumes! Live Music: Martin Van Zyl – Ben has known Martin for a few years now and we’ve heard him play at a few open-mic nights etc – he’s fantastic and I was so excited when he agreed to play at our wedding! He learned several songs just for us which was such a special touch a truly appreciated! Floral: Trisha’s Roses – Rachel was so helpful in all of the back and forth trying to get everything just right. She managed to source the cabbage flowers that I really wanted and I honestly think that the final product was better than the vision I had in my head! I loved all of the bouquets but especially my bridal bouquet! Decor: Celebrations provided the tables and chairs and linens etc. as well as a fantastic pallet bar that fit our theme perfectly. We beg/borrowed and rented lighting for the trees/yard (a huge thank you to my family and friends for helping string them up to make the reception look perfect!) The signs were all handmade, thanks to my dad for cutting them and my dad, my brother and his girlfriend Mel for installing them and to my bridesmaids and my mum for helping me to paint them. I also crafted the jars and the tins for the tables. I had table numbers fashioned in to wine bottles but the wind caboshed that plan so they ended up just being laid on the tables. Videographer: PictureThis (with the help of Noah and Gary Hollins who came to the rescue after a miscommunication on the start-time) Photographer: Rebecca Davidson Photography – Bec has shot thousands of weddings but she still manages to make yours feel super special. I love how excited she gets about the details because it makes it feel that much more special to you as well! She’s got a way with people and makes everyone feel comfortable so the quality of the photos is that much better because of it. And I would have to say a HUGE thank you to our friends and family and bridal party who put in so much effort (both in the lead-up to the event and on the day) to make everything just perfect. My brother’s girlfriend Mel was running around helping Mary Ann and her crew and we had friends and family up on ladders stringing lights and paper lanterns etc.
I was a bit nervous because I’m not big on ‘public speaking’ but once I got up there, it really just became Ben and I so during the vows I was fine (emotional, but fine!)
There are honestly too many to mention. We had several friends tell us to take in the moments as often as we could and we really did try to do just that. I enjoyed every moment!
I was most anxious about the vows because I was worried I was going to be super-emotional. I chocked up a bit but I was fine. I was also a lot less emotional walking down the aisle than I thought I was going to be.
We had a sand ceremony and included our daughter, which was a very special touch.
Hire a day-of planner (better yet, hire a planner for the whole thing, but if you can’t swing it financially, at least hire a day-of planner!). I don’t know what I would have done without Mary Ann – I knew she had my vision and she helped to execute it perfectly.
If there are ‘must have’ shots – chat to your photographer ahead of time – otherwise, trust that he/she knows what they are doing!
Remember that no one else knows what things are ‘supposed’ to look like so try not to stress about the little details. Enjoy every moment because it really does go by so fast!
We sure did – Martin Van Zyl – he was fantastic! He played during our ceremony and cocktail hour and people absolutely love him! He learned two songs for us, which made it even more special!
DJ Craig from OneWorld – he’s the best!
Ben and I danced to “I Choose You” by Ryann Darling. The father-daughter song was “Rope the Moon” by John Michael Montgomery and Mother-son was “Mama” by Boyz 2 Men.
I’ve known Bec for years (since I was about 14 or 16). I started doing summer jobs at Picture This and then eventually had the opportunity to work as her assistant for about a year. I couldn’t have imagined having anyone else photograph my wedding!
“Love you Britt! you mean the world to me….. and I wish you all the happiness you truly deserve!” “look after her Ben… you got a good one!”
These photos are absolutely amazing! And what a beautiful wedding! I will share on my website to spread the love.