As I reflect on 2018, while Knot My Wedding was a later addition, some of my best memories were created at the Bachelorettes and Weddings that have quickly formed the contents of this blog. When someone hears 10 weddings, they immediately jump to an 'omg' place, but I view it as 10 occasions where I get to spend time with family and friends and share in all of the love, happiness and the memories that will forever be a special part of the couple’s life.
This past year I was lucky enough to see two of my very best friends marry their long time loves. Celebrated a whole crew of Goldenhawks tying the knot with the best dance floors, packs of 20+ girls, scoop and slams, lightning rounds and everything in between. Travelled to Scottsdale, Montreal and Dominican with the best kinds of gals that included Rosé all Day and all of the dancing (on tables, on boats, in pools, with foam, on bars on bikes … you name it, it was danced on or in!). And this was only a handful of the love that I was able to celebrate and witness in 2018. Just wait until 2019 … this blog will continue to have ample content for the next couple of years thanks to some of the engagements in 2018 including one these beauties below (KnotYourWedding thanks you 😉!).
I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect way to close out 2018 and ring in 2019 than by celebrating two absolutely beautiful people, both inside and out, Steph and Andrew. That was wedding 10/10 (for 2018) but felt like an 100/10. Taking place at the Shangri-La in Toronto really set the mood for what was a New Years Eve to remember. And when I say beautiful people, I mean it. Just take a look at Steph, she was absolutely glowing and perfect in every which way!
I typically love to get away for NYE versus staying in the city, but let me tell you, if you're not getting away, a wedding with all of your favourite people is how to spend it (which is why I always joke with Steph about sharing an anniversary one day 😉). The Shang as a back-drop really gave everyone the opportunity to go all out and people were dressed to the nines! Special shout out to Natalie and team at Vent Blow Dry Bar in Liberty Village and of course Maria from Spraii.Tan for that ‘Mexico Day 3’ glow.
I was quite curious what the status of the wedding party would be, based on the absolute time they appeared to have at the rehearsal dinner, but they brought their A-Game and looked like they could be the cover of any wedding magazine. ‘Merlot’ is one of my favourite colours (and coincidentally one of my favourite varietals of wine), and Steph's bride tribe looked absolutely stunning in their dresses, plus the fur shawl accent added a nice winter-y touch. The guys, or the 'busters' as they were referred to for most of the evening, cleaned up nicely themselves!
As the night got started, it really hit on every high note. Adam, a friend of the couple, did an incredible job officiating the ceremony. The perfect balance of humour and injected with sentiment only a close friend could deliver.
I know I have said it before, but I’ve quickly grown to absolutely love speeches. Both the emcees (Mike and Kat) and all of the speeches were on point. So well thought out and delivered perfectly; highlighting the best parts of Steph and Andrew as individuals as well as together, with every word you could tell just how perfect these two are for each other. I do need to call out the Best Man, Sean, for his speech. From content to delivery a 10/10. There is always a worry that a BM speech is going to be an over the top roast, but Sean found a way to balance humour with kind words. Stories that shone a light on Andrew and not only showed off their level of friendship and respect, but the love everyone has for Steph and these two together. I was in tears at times (the good kind) and thoroughly enjoyed every minute!
To no one's surprise, Steph thought of every last detail for this day. I absolutely loved all of the vibes the Shangri-La had to offer, from the tea pot wall to the Asian inspired passed-apps and beautiful signs (once again our gal Jess at Sincerely Taylored killed it!), it really did make the perfect backdrop for a NYE wedding. There was a New Year's accessory table so that everyone was decked out to ring in 2019 and polaroids floating around which was a fun touch (especially waking up to all of the photos in pockets and purses the next day).
And of course Free Willy, because, if you don't know by now, you should... No one quite dove into 2019 quite like Andrew (literally off a chair in the air to the dance floor … seriously need to learn how to embed videos in 2019!), but it’s safe to say everyone had a NYE to remember and started 2019 on an absolute high thanks to Andrew and Steph (that good looking couple below!).
And just like that, when one wedding season ends, another begins. What’s on tap for 2019? And, of course a girl gang that will be rippin’ the beaches of Ft. Lauderdale for Tortuga this April, all of the Honkey Tonk’s in Nash this May and that is only the beginning. Make sure you subscribe to continue to get all of the updates on the 2019 circuit. Countdown to the first is only 51 days away 😉
Happy New Year to all of you, here is hoping 2019 is the best one yet. xx
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