MARRIED SEPTEMBER 5, 2021
THE BEGINNING
How did you two meet?
It was love at first sight! Nick and I met in a cafeteria at Fanshawe College, in 2013. We had been enrolled in the same program, and ended up sitting together in the cafeteria, after our professor didn’t show up for the first class. If our professor had showed up as planned, I don’t know that I would have had an excuse to sit next to the cute guy. Nick started saving me seats on the bus every morning. School days turned into weekend dates, and the rest feels like a fairy tale. Nine years later, I still look at that cute guy from across the room, and can’t believe he’s now my husband!
THE PROPOSAL
How did Nick pop the question?
Every year, Nick and I would travel to a family cottage near Tobermory. We love the outdoors, and always went hiking at the Bruce Peninsula National Park. In 2019, Nick planned a hike for us, where he spent a great deal of time searching for a private look-out off the trail. Turns out, it was a beautiful rocky ledge that overlooked Lake Huron and the Grotto, and would become a part of our forever. As I turned to admire the view, Nick was behind me getting down on one knee. I looked back and began to cry! I was so excited I couldn’t remember what he said, but of course I said yes! Later that week, our friends joined us at the cottage and we had the best time celebrating with the best people.
THE PLANNING
What made you choose St. Marys Weddings as your wedding venue?
We were looking for a beautiful space that could host both our ceremony and reception. Being from the Windsor area, we wanted a wedding out of town to create a unique experience for ourselves and our guests. A rustic space with classic elements was at the top of our list, and we started our search online. SMGCC appeared, with breathtaking photos of past weddings. We knew we had to see this place in person! Walking into The Hideaway on our tour with Courtney, and seeing the breathtaking wood ceiling, Nick and I knew that SMGCC was where we wanted to get married. The mix of wood beams, chandeliers and glass garage doors completed our vision. The Bridal Suite brought me to tears. I could truly picture the morning of my wedding in that room, which sealed the deal for me!
Who did you work with for your decor and floral?
Kim and her team at Above & Beyond Event Design and Decor made our wedding vision come to life. I only had rough ideas of what I wanted, and no real plan. I showed her a couple of pictures, explained that a combination of rustic and romantic vibes were our main goal, and that I wanted lots of greenery. I trusted her completely, and just told her to run with it! Kim did not disappoint. A beautiful, flowy backdrop with vines framed the scene. Hints of burgundy and copper really brought out the romantic feel I was going for. Slat feature walls and wheat table cloths offered a little rustic vibe. It felt so warm and inviting, and I loved everything about the style she created.
Lanny at Lyric Flowers listened to all of my crazy colour combinations, and the florals turned into something so breathtaking and fell perfectly into place with Kim’s design. I was not well versed in floral varieties or what was ideal for wedding arrangements, so I also gave Lanny a lot of creative freedom. My bouquet was so unique, with some mustard, burgundy and navy elements! Greenery was everywhere, from the ceiling to the tables, to the vines that hung from our backdrop. I am still so in love with it all.
What other vendors did you work with?
Photography was an easy choice — Lindsey Langlois of f8 Photography. She had photographed our engagement photos, as well as a shoot we had with our dogs (which was definitely a challenge). Every photo she captures and edits looks like it belongs in a magazine. I knew she would bring all of the beauty and emotion of our wedding day to life, so she was the one and only! A videographer was a must for me. Matty at Prevail Media Group shot our whole day. The memories he captured were perfect, and included the exact moments I wanted to hold onto forever.
THE ATTIRE
Who designed your wedding dress?
Next on my list was my dress. My bridal party, mom and aunt joined me at It’s Your Day Bridal in Windsor, Ontario. The boutique had already done an interview with me to get an idea of what dresses I was looking for. They had pulled Calista by Eddy K and it was one of the first dresses I tried on. It was so obviously ‘the one’. A lace dress with a satin slip, long bell sleeves, buttons down the back and fitted with a little flare. I want to get married again just so I can wear it a second time! Another favourite find was my Betsey Johnson shoes! Gold with baby blue soles — my something blue.
THE BIG DAY
How did your day unfold?
Everyone says to prepare for something to go wrong on your wedding day. I am so grateful to admit that not a single element of our day was out of place. This is all thanks to the entire St. Marys Golf and Country Club crew! From the first moment I arrived, Ashton and Hailey made me feel so special. A framed sign outside of the suite read ‘Mrs. Haines’ Bridal Suite’! Like come on, that was magical. Before the day even began, they gave me a sense of calm and confidence that no detail would be missed.
Our ceremony beneath the pergola was beautiful, and the photo journey to follow was unbelievable. From the whimsical winding path amongst all the trees, to the gorgeous bridge, every backdrop on SMGCC’s property made for such memorable moments. And to be chauffeured around the grounds on a limo golf cart was so much fun!
The reception was just as outstanding! Before our entrance and first dance, Hailey was keeping things so organized, and even made sure my dress was bustled and ready for the rest of the night! And dinner? Our guests are still raving about the food thanks to Chef Nathan.
How would you describe your wedding experience?
It was unforgettable, and I could go on forever raving about our perfect wedding. I am the type of person who stresses about everything, all day. On our wedding, I felt more at peace and more relaxed than ever. We truly felt genuine love and happiness from the team at SMGCC throughout the entire planning journey, and especially on our special day. It’s bittersweet that the day is over, but I’m so grateful for all of the memories we get to cherish forever!
Story by Bradie Haines
Photography by f8 Photography
