
Anna & Andrew’s Love Story:
Andrew and I met in high school however, despite having the same group of friends, we never really talked or hung out. In 2008 I got a summer job between second and third year university where Andrew worked full time and through a mutual friend, we started talking and hanging out more and more and the rest is history!
Our love story, wasn’t without it’s hardship though, in 2013 I moved out west to Vancouver for a dream job and for a few years Andrew and I did the whole long-distance thing. After three years of west-coast living and long distance, we decided it was enough, we missed each other and hated being so far apart! Plus, I felt that it was time for me to move back home. Andrew flew out to help me pack up my Vancouver life so we could drive my car back across the country. Our first night on the trip back home, we stopped at the Fairmont Lake Louise as a bit of a “celebration” that we were reunited & despite all the odds made a long-distance relationship work. We went out for a late-night walk around the lake, no one was around, the sky was clear and the moon was shining so bright that it reflected beautifully onto the lake… that’s when Andrew got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! Obviously I said “yes!” and got to admire my new bling for the rest of the ride back to Toronto
What inspired your wedding?
I always wanted a fall wedding, the time of year is so beautiful & the weather isn’t too hot or too cold. We decided on a neutral & rustic themed wedding because of how many beautiful colours already exist during this time of year. We are also a very casual couple and wanted something for our wedding that we could look back on in 10, 15 years and still love and think was timeless.
What was the most unique aspect about your wedding?
We loved having a Portuguese & Polish wedding! We were able to incorporate all friends & family and everyone seemed to have a great time, which is all that we wanted! It was also very special to have so many friends & family come from out of town. We had family come in from Poland & Germany and friends fly in from Vancouver & San Francisco. To be able to have so many people fly in from so far to be there to celebrate with us was so special and something we will cherish forever!
Our wedding was such a party and everyone was having such a great time that when they closed down the bar, we asked them to re-open it and the venue did! Even the DJ continued playing and it was as if we could have partied all night long!
What was your most favourite part of your day?
Honestly, all of it! The day flew by so quickly that I often ask Andrew if we can re-do it! From the morning with my family & bridesmaids and putting on my dress with all of the laughs that followed to walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time and then partying the night away, it was all so perfect and better than I even imagined it would be!
What is your top advice for future couples?
- Everyone says it, but don’t sweat the small stuff. If something isn’t going to plan on the day of, laugh it off and enjoy the moment! It goes by so, so quickly that getting worked up over a small detail is not worth it!
- I would also say to take a few moments every now and then to take a mental photo of everything! So much work and planning goes into this one day that you need to ensure you soak it all in and enjoy it.
- Bring more shoes than you think you will need! You’re on your feet literally all day! The weather can change, your feet could hurt and the last thing you want to do is ruin your wedding shoes in the grass if it is muddy! I threw a pair of Hunter rainboots into the limo and it ended up making for some pretty awesome photographs!
- Enjoy your first dance and make it a reflection of who you two are as a couple. It doesn’t have to be something super formal or fancy – just have fun with it!
- Make the day about you two as a couple – yes you want to ensure that everyone who attends your wedding will have a great time, but remember, they are there for you! In all the planning and prepping, bring some of your personalities to light. Andrew loves superheroes, so we incorporated that into the groomsmen’s attire and everyone’s entrances into the hall.
Vendor Info:
Church: St. Andrew’s Church
Hall: Lakeshore Convention Centre
Dress: Maggie Sottero
Suit/Tux: Strauss Men’s Wear
Bridesmaids Dresses: Sophie’s Gown Shoppe
Groomsmen Suits: Michael Kors
Hair: Schulz Make-Up & Beauty Studio
Make-up: Schulz Make-Up & Beauty Studio
Jewelry: (Bracelet) Tiffany & Co. (Earrings & Hairpiece) Bittersweet Jewelry
Décor: Art of Celebrations
Invitations: Designs by A
Limo Service: Erin Mills Limousine Service
Flowers: Art of Celebrations & Flower Parade
DJ: Good Vibrations
Cake: Piece of Cake by Shivani
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Groom & Groomsmen’s Shoes: Steve Madden
Socks: Harry Rosen