DIY Beauty ~ Alexandra and Mike’s Wedding

One of the major benefits of planning your own wedding is that all the details of the day have your personal touch. Taking on all that responsibility can be daunting and stressful, but bride Alexandra wouldn’t have done it any other way! She had a lot of fun preparing everything, and even recruited family and friends to help her with some DIY projects.

Being their own wedding planner allowed Alexandra and Mike to create a personal, non-traditional ceremony filled with whimsy and charm. They said it was their favourite part of the whole day, and all the guests appreciated the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It was really a celebration of Alexandra and Mike and all they are as a couple.

I had a lot of fun at this wedding, as did everyone attending. Alexandra and Mike were so happy and their enthusiasm rubbed off on every moment of the day. Every time they looked at each other they positively beamed with joy.

This wedding took place in July of 2011 at Code’s Mill Inn. It was a beautiful and sunny day, perfect for the beginning of Alexandra and Mike’s journey as husband and wife.

I asked the bride and groom some questions about their wedding day and here is what they had to share:

Which one moment will last for each of you forever?
The ceremony – we did it our own way and loved every second of it! We had non-traditional music, wrote our own vows, had a former student of Alexandra’s sing rather than have any readings, had Mike’s good friend perform the ceremony, had a singing flashmob with wedding party and friends planted in audience for recessional, and had lemonade and a variety of cookies for guests to enjoy DURING the ceremony.

Best advice for future bride/grooms?
Make sure to think about what you’re comfortable with and what will make the day special for you! As much as you can on the big day, stop and look around. It is such an amazing experience and it is over too quickly!

Best wedding related decision?
Getting married! Having our outdoor ceremony – it’s always a risk with the weather, but it was worth it! Also making it our own – going non-traditional – incorporating elements that were meaningful to us!

What was the funniest memory from your wedding day?
Having to kiss Mike’s behind in the kissing game! Also, Mike’s hilarious dance moves!

What is your favourite image from your wedding day and why?
The picture of us looking at each other while standing in the tree that had blown over in the storm. It was a cool backdrop and I feel like you can really see how we feel in that picture.

Vendors

Ceremony Location: Perennial Gardens, Stewart Park, Perth. So beautiful!
Reception Location: Code’s Mill On the Park (Perth)
Officiant: Darin Martin, one of Mike’s best friends from southern Ontario. (He also very kindly provided all the sound equipment and is a fabulous musician himself!)
Wedding Dress: Sottero & Midgley JSM1235, purchased at Alliance Bridal. Alexandra was featured on their website in her dress!
“Sottero & Midgley post pictures of real brides in their dresses on their website – it really helped in determining which ones to search out!”
Bridesmaids Dresses: Love by Enzoani, also purchased at Alliance Bridal
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Suits: S. Cohen
Rings: Bands from Goldform, Engagement Ring: Jubilee
Jewelry: Vintage from Etsy
Veil: DIY
Flowers: Apropos in Perth
Decor: DIY – Orchid stems from Apropos, all other decor DIY: Candy Buffet, Canvas with monogram, silver painted frames with song lyrics, limes in vases, ceremony decor: tons of help from my family members!
Hair: Celine Leduc
Bride’s Makeup: Natalie Boucher (MAC), Bridesmaids: Natalie Boucher & Amy Lupiano
Caterer: Code’s Mill on the Park
Cake/Cupcakes: Candy Bar; Decorated sugar cookies from my Aunts!
DJ: Mike & his sister Suzanne created the song lists and we used a laptop
Photography: Liz Bradley from elizabeth&jane photography!

Wedding Songs

Processional: Into the Mystic (Van Morrison) – performed by Keturah Johnson (an amazing singer and my former student!)
Ceremony Songs: Glitter in the Air (Pink) – performed by Keturah Johnson
Recessional: Marry You (Bruno Mars) – performed by Keturah Johnson
Entrance to Reception: Marry You (Bruno Mars)
First Dance: You are the Best Thing (Ray Lamontagne) – amazing song!
Mother/Son + Father/Daughter Dance: In My Life (the Beatles)
Others: Reception Song performed by Keturah Johnson & Bride – The Way I Am (Ingrid Michaelson)

Have a wonderful day,

Liz – Contact Me, I would love to speak with you!

elizabeth&jane photography elizabeth&jane photography blog Canadian Destination Wedding Photography