MARRIED september 4, 2021
THE BEGINNING
How did you two meet?
Samantha: We met in 2008, at the beginning of grade nine. At the time, we shared mutual friends, but we didn’t have any classes together. When our friends introduced us, we instantly hit if off, quickly becoming high school sweethearts.
THE PROPOSAL
How did Dylan pop the question?
Dylan: We were heading on a trip to Bali, which I thought would be the perfect time to pop the question. My main task was to get the ring there without Sam knowing, and I knew the rest would then fall into place. When we were going through airport screening, I was very nervous, so I quietly let security know that I had the ring in my bag. It was great timing, because right then, Sam got pulled aside for a random check. After keeping the ring on me for several days in Bali, I finally found the perfect opportunity to propose when we were heading on a guided tour to Devil's Tears Bay. The group we were traveling with all got together for a group photo, and when Sam and I were placed in the middle, I got down on one knee and proposed. After all the excitement, we celebrated over dinner with the group!
THE PLANNING
What made you choose St. Marys Weddings as your wedding venue?
Samantha: We started our venue search online, and as soon as I came across The St. Marys Golf & Country Club, I felt an undeniable charm that stuck with me. I really loved the vibe of the Hideaway, from the exposed beams and garage doors, to the modern light fixtures - it all suited my rustic elegance vibe perfectly. As soon as we toured, we knew instantly that it was the wedding venue for us. In 2019, after booking, Dylan and I attended the annual Wedding Open House, which was so helpful to envision what our wedding would feel like all setup, and it gave us a chance to connect with the SMGCC preferred vendors.
Who did you work with for your decor and floral?
Dylan: We met Kim of Above & Beyond Event Design and Decor at the Open House, and clicked instantly. We loved the idea of going with preferred vendors of SMGCC, who were comfortable with the space and knew the venue well.
Samantha: Kim really helped nail down our exact vision. I had a few ideas from Pinterest that she really brought to life. We wanted a rustic modern vibe, with lots of greenery accents and pops of cooper. One of my favourite design elements was our Edison bulb backdrop for the reception, which started out as an image I had found online. Kim really made it our own, adapting the look to suit our style and the venue, with loose hanging greens behind our family tables, and added ivory drapery behind the head table.
For our floral design, we worked with Lyric Flowers. Originally, I wanted purple flowers with grey dusty miller, but Lyric helped me navigate what colours would compliment Kim’s design the best. I am so happy I took their advice, because I couldn’t believe how stunning and vibrant everything looked on the day of our wedding.
What other vendors did you work with?
Samantha: For photography, we worked with the Rebel Hearts, who also captured our day on video. Our Officiant was Mike Dias, who is a preferred vendor of SMGCC and who we would highly recommend. Our DJ Music Central kept the party going all night long, and Grandma’s Oven made the most beautiful cake!
THE BIG DAY
How did your day unfold?
Samantha: Me and the girls headed to SMGCC bright and early, to start on hair and makeup in the Bridal Suite. While we got ready, we enjoyed espresso martinis and catered food from the venue’s restaurant Social Thirty-One, which was so convenient to have everything we needed onsite. Truly, we did not have to worry about one thing on the day of our wedding.
Dylan: The guys started our day with a big breakfast in London, got dressed, and headed to SMGCC. Sam and I had decided against a first look, and I’m so glad we did. It was honestly the best feeling seeing Samantha for the first time that day when she walked down the aisle. I still think she set me up just to see me cry, which did happen!
Samantha: After the ceremony, we did family photos, wedding party photos, and then took some time just for the two of us during newlywed photos. Our signature sangria and the passed hors d’oeuvres were a huge hit during cocktail hour. Once we headed into our dinner reception, and Dylan and I entered the room, I reminded myself to take it all in for the rest of the night! It all goes so fast.
What are some of the moments from your day that stand out?
Samantha: We really enjoyed spending the day getting ready with our friends, and being in the moment with them. We loved how beautifully our vision came together when arrived at the venue that day! Another great memory was the epic entrance of our flower men, who came in to ‘Let's Get It Started’ by Black Eyed Peas.
Dylan: The venue did not miss a beat. Even during our photos (which took place during cocktail hour), their team sent us out on the golf course in an escorted golf limo, with beverages and a sample plate of hors d’oeuvres, so that we wouldn’t miss that portion of our day. The speeches from our family and friends were very well done, and we really felt the love. The night went by quickly, but it was such a special day that we will cherish forever.
How would you describe your wedding experience?
Samantha: Seamless. The fact that we didn't have to worry about anything throughout the day, because of the attention provided by the venue, made it very easy for us to just enjoy what was happening around us. Their focus on details and special touches did not go unnoticed. The dinner was exceptional, and we really appreciated that the Chef accommodated our summer menu (from our original 2020 date), even though our postponement date was in fall 2021. The bartenders were really fun and engaged with our guests, and received a ton of compliments. Our Wedding Planner, Hailey, came in half-way through our planning (as our original planner had moved on), and we are grateful that we got to work with her! Hailey was very professional, but also a lot of fun, and she really helped us every step of the way.
Dylan: Sam and I were beyond happy with the dedication and service we received from the team at SMGCC. We had to postpone our wedding due to COVID, but the venue handled rescheduling it with class and professionalism. The food was amazing, the staff was welcoming and accommodating, and the venue was beautiful. What more can you ask for? We would highly recommend working with SMGCC to make your wedding dreams come true!
As told by Samantha & Dylan Richardson
Photography & Videography by Rebel Hearts Photography
