My official vacation doesn’t start for two whole days (woot!), but this breathtaking affair from NC Photography? Well, it has me wishing it was tomorrow… and in sunny Mexico to boot. Because one look at these drop-dead gorgeous nuptials was all it took to start dreaming of crashing ocean waves, clear blue skies and sandy goodness beneath my toes. It’s the kind of day that is rich beautiful details, love-filled moments and crazy gorgeous imagery. In other words, it’s a virtual vacation getaway right here in the full gallery.
Following the most romantic proposal at the Banff Springs Castle, Banff Alberta on December 28th, 2011 I said yes to spending the rest of my life with Tyler! We instantly agreed upon a destination wedding, as it would be the perfect setting for a personal, intimate gathering with immediate family and close friends. We envisioned turquoise seas, white sands, and blue skies as being the perfect backdrop for our vows. We wanted rustic, classic, timeless, romantic, if you will; with all the casualties of a destination wedding, and Tyler wanted to make my dreams come true.
We researched endlessly for the perfect resort and venue and finally came across Now Sapphire, a 5 diamond resort in the Mayan Riviera-Mexico. I immediately envisioned lanterns, candlelight, chandeliers, white linens, and roses everywhere.
Having found the perfect venue, it was on to the dress. After countless visits to popular bridal boutiques in Canada and many hours of online research, I finally found my dream dress. Eldorado by Enzoani! A mermaid gown made of lace with tulle overlay, a sweetheart neckline-delicately covered by illusional lace straps, fitted bodice with a hand crafted floral corsage on the waist and chapel train. It was stunning and everything I envisioned.
For my bridesmaids, I chose long gowns with layers of silk chiffon — a soft romantic color palette of ivory, nude, blush, soft grey, and taupe in the Jenny Yoo collection. The dress was perfect as it could be worn strapless, halter, one shouldered and flattering for any body type. Each bridesmaid would wear colors from the palette in a style that was flattering for their body. Bouquets of multi-colored roses; ivory, pale pink, peach with coral infusions would tied the palette together beautifully.
For the groomsmen, we wanted everyone to feel comfortable. Linen blended beige pants, ivory shirts and linen vests with a warm grey tie from Stu Moores Clothiers suited the boys perfectly!
The morning of the wedding… We woke up to the sound of waves crashing beneath our ocean view suite at the Now Sapphire. Room service arrived promptly at 8am to serve us breakfast and mimosas. We wanted to spend the morning together and parted ways after a morning walk on the beach; it was a beautiful way to start our day.
Following hair and makeup at the Spa, my mother and bridesmaids joined in my room to dress and spent the rest of the morning together sipping champagne. It was so special to have everyone with me on my big day. I wore my hair up, in a large bun, as I felt it was a classic/timeless look. My make-up was soft with hues of rose and smoky eye to finish.
I gave my bridesmaids jewelry that would accent their dresses. They wore Lucia necklace and bracelet, and delicate drop earrings from the Stella and Dot collection. Layers of pearls in ivory, taupe, blush and champagne was a little extra to add to the soft romantic look I was going for. I wanted the girls to feel important and beautiful; they were radiant!
The Ceremony… When I arrived at the terrace the set up was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. After months of planning my wedding via email I was a little unsure as to how my requests would be received or interpreted. Our wedding planner, Ramon, couldn’t have done a better job at understanding me and my personal taste.
The bridal party walked down the aisle to the instrumental Marry Me by Train. Arm in arm with my parents, I made my grand entrance while walking to the instrumental A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. Following the most beautiful ceremony and vow exchange we proceeded down the aisle to the instrumental Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran. It was the perfect ending to our ceremony. As the ceremony was directly below the terrace where we would have our reception, we joined there to thank everyone for coming. Everyone had been so touched emotionally by the ceremony; Tyler and I had never felt more loved. The servers immediately greeted us and our guests with a glass of champagne and we toasted our unity and hopes of a long happy life.
Cocktail tables were dressed in Ivory linens and dressed with a blush satin sash; a guest book table with a custom guest book created by Chantille through Mixbook for the guests to sign and leave well wishes; a large vintage bird cage-purchased from Annie McGuire Interiors, Medicine Hat, AB, to hold wedding cards, a rustic wooden box of cigars decorated the table nicely and were a nice treat for our guests. Music played softly and everyone was greeted with a signature drink; pina colada with soft pink umbrellas of course. The menu: mini crab cakes, tempura prawns with a garlic aioli dip, sushi, wings and pineapple beef skewers. Everything was a hit!
The Reception… The set up was stunning. Open starlit sky, white tiffany chairs, small rectangular tables covered in ivory linens with blush satin runners; centerpieces of roses, accompanied by candlelit vintage mini lanterns that created a sense of warmth for the evening. Custom table cards that matched the formal invites we had sent out months before; designed by Karri Montean of Borrowed Blue Wedding Designs.
Tyler and I struggled with favor ideas forever. We didn’t want anything tacky, or anything that would be left sitting on the tables. We decided on Bath and Body works medium sized candles in tikki beach scent.
Tyler and I didn’t want our guests to be bored by lengthy speeches and long dinner. We asked that our MC keep it tasteful, classy and simple. The request was well received. It was a beautiful, emotional evening. To keep ourselves entertained, we asked that our guests wear a sombrero and have a shot of Mexican tequila; much to our surprise, this did not deter our guests from making Tyler and I kiss all evening; it was hilarious.
Nicole and her husband Shawn flew to Mexico from Calgary, AB to photograph our wedding. They are pretty much photography celebrities in Alberta. Photos are memories that will last a lifetime and we knew we had to have them.
I cannot express how thankful we are to have gone south for our wedding. We had a full week to spend time with people who love and support our relationship. There was no skimping out on the details for us. We had our fairytale wedding on the white sandy beaches of Mexico and we wouldn’t change a thing~
Photography: NC Photography | Event Planning + Design: Now Sapphire | Floral Design: Now Sapphire | Wedding Dress: Enzoani | Wedding Venue: Now Sapphire