Chateau Wedding in Ottawa for the Modern Romantic

Erin Lepperd
November 24, 2018
Categories: Real Weddings, The Blog, Traditional Elegance

Château meets Ottawa in this wildly romantic Fairmont Chateau Laurier ballroom wedding crafted by The Design Co.. Think candlelight dining, blush colored blooms, a stunning architectural backdrop and sweet, sweet love all captured by Lace & Luce along with a film by Up North Wedding Films below! FULL GALLERY

From the bride…Warsame and I met through a mutual friend. I moved to Vancouver, BC from Ottawa, Ontario. I was living in downtown Vancouver for one year and a friend of mine connected Warsame and I as he was living in Kelowna, BC (short 3.5-4 hr drive from Vancouver).

Our first date was at Granville Island for brunch and then we went to the PNE (local fair) for some fun. My favourite moment was when we were on the ferris wheel where we shared our 1st kiss. One year later, Warsame proposed on that same ferris wheel and it was magic!

Warsame and I wanted to create a classic contrast of vintage colours such as rose gold and blush contrasted with ivory and navy/grey. Our main concept was creating a feeling/vibe rather than a specific colour scheme. Working with the Design Co for wedding planning and design was a perfect fit. Secondly, our photographers (laceandluce) shared the same style aesthetic and vision which added to the cohesiveness of the wedding planning.

We chose the Chateau Laurier because of its rich history (built in the 1920) and its position as a major landmark in Ottawa as it is beside the Parliament Hill. Growing up in Ottawa, I have always loved that area of downtown. Lastly, we loved the vintage and timeless appeal of the hotel and the ballroom we chose (drawing room).

For my dress, I knew I wanted lace details but finding my dress was a surprise. I initially researched another lace dress and went into the bridal boutique to try it on. This dress was a pretty but I was not in love with it. I decided I would keep looking. On my way out of the bridal boutique, I spotted a long sleeve lace dress on the rack that caught my attention. I tried it on and it was perfect! I felt an instant connection, comfort, and glow when I had it on. I knew 100% it was the one. My dress was designed and made locally in Vancouver, BC!

On my wedding day, I felt genuinely happy and beautiful. I cant remember the last time I wore a stunning dress, heels, and was completely pampered. Sharing that day with my husband Warsame was a unique and magical experience. Having our family there to celebrate our love with us was truly heart warming. My favourite moments of the day were getting ready, the first look, the speeches, cake cutting, and evening pics on the terrace (plus so many more!)

My advice to other brides is to enjoy planning your wedding. It is busy and stressful at times, but you will miss it when it is all over! Secondly, to add in any elements that are important to you and your family. Warsame and I value our Somalian culture and made sure this was incorporated into the wedding day through music and traditions.

Finally surrounding yourself with supportive family and friends and not letting fear drive you away from your desires (you deserve those shoes, cake, spa treatment, whatever it may be). Remind yourself that you are worth it. The time planning, the energy, the workouts, the money, all of it will be worth it.

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