Canadian Museum of Nature Wedding by Marry Me Productions

This is one of those weddings that makes us drop everything else for an hour of undivided attention. Because this is so not a multi-tasking, catching up on emails, drinking coffee and watching Matt Lauer all while perusing the gallery kind of wedding. Nope, not in the least. It's a knock-out crafted by Marry Me Productions where classically gorgeous meets modern museum complete with a bevy of really amazing signage. And each image by Andrew Geddes of Union Eleven is like a work of art. I'm half tempted to frame them and hang them up on my wall. Head over to the gallery for more of this Ottawa affair and don't worry Matt will be there when you come out of your pretty daze.

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

And now for the equally gorgeous film by First Kiss Films...

From the Bride...Kyle and I have had chemistry since the day we met!  We became close friends during our Grade 9 Science class and soon realized we were more than friends when we went to the Valentine’s Day dance together. However for the next 10 years we remained friends as our romantic timing always seemed to be off. After attending high school in our small community we both went to The University of Western Ontario and happened to be placed in the same residence, on the same floor! During university and beyond, we always had something special. Finally, after more than 10 years, the timing was right and we started dating. After just 6 months (and the perfect date) Kyle and I took a stroll in the rain through Ottawa’s Major’s Hill Park and on to the terrace of the Chateau Laurier overlooking the Rideau Canal. When Kyle put down the umbrella I was wondering “Doesn't he realize how fast my hair will start to frizz?” Then I realized he had something important to say. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Shocked, I tackled him in an embrace and said YES to marrying my best friend!

My vision for the wedding was modern with a hint of traditional romance. Our contemporary color palette of slate grey, aubergine, white and black was inspired by our fashion and interior design preferences and was consistently evident in the wedding party attire, stationery, linens, and wedding cake. Being that Kyle and I are both teachers, and our history spanned from high school through University, I also wanted to personalize the wedding with some ‘school’ elements (without making guests feel as though they were in class!).

My dress had all the romantic details I was looking for. Made of silk duchess satin with crystal bead-work and tulle accents, it was the beaded chapel train that gave it that ‘wow’ factor and I knew it would be perfect for walking down the aisle in.

The ceremony was held at Blessed Sacrament Church and was followed by cocktails in the all glass Lantern of the Canadian Museum of Nature. The Museum’s architecture perfectly juxtaposed a castle-like romance with bold contemporary elements. It was important for us to have a cocktail hour that set the tone of the evening; we wanted our guests to socialize and have fun in this stunning space. As Kyle’s family is from Jamaica this was also a time where we wanted to bring a piece of island life to the wedding with Jamaican cuisine for passed hors d'oeuvres, Caribbean cocktails for signature drinks and a steel drum band echoing throughout the Museum. Moving to the beat of the steel drums, guests ascended the glass stairs and moved into the Salon of The Museum for our dinner and reception. Guest tables were named after schools that Kyle and I had attended or taught at and were centred with tall square vases housing manzanita branches decorated in carnation balls and cascading phaleanopsis orchids.

Our wedding day was blissful, breathtaking and celebratory. Every planning element came to life and was surpassed thanks to Marry Me Productions and all of our fabulous vendors. The biggest surprise was how relaxed we remained and how much we were able to stay present in each moment. Kyle and I didn’t have to worry about anything and therefore were able to put all our energy into enjoying the special moments of the day and celebrating our immense love for each other! Just like the Grade 9 dance in the beginning, Kyle and I danced the whole night until the lights  were on and the music was done, but this time we left as husband and wife!

Wedding Planning: Marry Me Productions / Church: Blessed Sacrament / Venue: Canadian Museum of Nature / Wedding Photography: Andrew Geddes of Union Eleven / Wedding Videography: First Kiss Films / Catering: Tulips & Maple / Floral Design: Flowers Talk / Wedding Dress: Kenneth Pool via Mia Bridal Co. / Bridesmaid Dresses: Priscilla of Boston / Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Wedding Cake: It’s a Matter of Cake / Cocktail Music: Nepean Panharmonic Steel Band / DJ: Ebony & Ivory Entertainment / Hair: Alisa Goodwin / Make-up: Erin Best / Favors: Place BonBon / Invitations + Stationery: The Paper Studio