The moment the photos from this wedding came through, I poured myself a glass of wine and took my time going through them. I've been waiting to see these photos from the minute I walked away from the Doctor's House on the eve or June 22nd 2019. Looking through the album, I happily relived the moments of planning with Heather and Derek (lovingly referred to as Shags, according to Heather, and from this point forward), and everything that led up to their perfect Bohemian day.
Heather contacted the DWEvents team based on a referral through a Bunz group. I could tell through our communication that she was down to earth, kind, but still very professional. So me being late, which is something I strive so hard NOT to be as it's one of my biggest pet peeves, really had me stressed. But in typical Heather fashion, she was so chill about it, and even told me to take my time and offered to get my order. Upon meeting her in person, it became very clear that she embodied every wonderful assumption of her I had already made up in my mind, and also she was just effortlessly cool. We chatted for a while about her wedding plans to date and where she saw our team stepping in. Heather was an extremely organized bride, but she had virtually no free time to continue to plan on her own. We were hired for partial planning, as Heather made it clear that her work - an upper management position at Lush Cosmetics - would take up pretty well all her free time in the coming months. We were tasked with keeping her on track, and on budget, while helping out with design elements and some DIYs.
Heather's vision was to transform the Doctor's House in Kleinburg into a Bohemian dream, allowing guests to be completely immersed in her vision. From the subtle yet striking florals that hung from the pews in the iconic little chapel, to the Vanity Fair-esque attire the wedding party wore, to the stunning photoscape that we styled on the rooftop terrace, every detail was carefully thought through by us as a team and executed by the DWEvents team.
I knew it was going to be an amazing day when Heather and her wedding party were wearing matching striped pjs and sipping Kombucha tea when I arrived during hair and makeup. Makeup was in full swing with the team from Becky Grimman Makeup.
Heather and her crew were relaxed an enjoying the morning in one of the property's cottage suites. With everything happening in one location, it was easy for our team to manage the setup and pop back over to check on our wedding party. The reception took place in the Heritage Room, and featured stunning whimsical and boho floral centerpieces by Rikki Marcone Events - a true diamond in the rough, surrounded by floating candles and geometric elements. The head table was also stunningly styled by Rikki and her team. The cocktail area featured an array of vintage trinkets collected by the bride and groom, accented by statement signage designed by Dunkirk Designs.
The bride wore a beautifully delicate A-line gown with a lacy overlay and dainty cap sleeves. The wedding party wore a mix of metallic, beaded gowns, deep jewel tones, and classic black tuxedos.
There was not much needed for the historic chapel on site, so it also was simply dressed by Rikki and her team. The pièce de resistence of the whole evening was definitely the photo area that we created in partnership with Rikki and her team. Rikki installed stunning bohemian arrangements on a custom-built macrame arch, and we went to work on adding a collection of vintage wicker furniture, Moroccan-inspired lanterns, urns, and carpets, and plush cushions. Guests would be able to travel up to the rooftop and enjoy the view and get a magazine-worthy selfie - this is an element we are actually so very proud of in terms of styling!
Once the ceremony ended with the traditional ringing of the chapel bell, and the party started, guests were entertained by the sounds of DJ Fawn Big Canoe and live band Hot Wax Meltdown. The music went well into the night and this group definitely knew how to party. Sweets and treats were offered by Hungry Vegan who provided the cake and cupcakes and the Doctor's House who provided a Menchies Fro-yo station.
This wedding will go down in history as one of my faves because A) the love between these two was palpable, B) the love their friends and family have for them is unreal, C) it was clearly visually stunning (thank you, All This Happiness!) but most importantly D) I feel like I've gained a true female powerhouse friend! Heather and I were able to have so many heart-to-hearts through her planning, and still keep in touch (amidst her crazy schedule!) to this day.
I'm so thankful for the opportunity to live in the same space as Heather and Shags, and wish them all the joys in this lifetime and the next.
xo, Shana
Vendor Love
Partial Planning + Coordination - Dream Weaver Events
Ceremony + Reception venue - The Doctor's House
Officiant - LaBuick Ceremonies
Photography - All This Happiness Studios
Floral/decor - Rikki Marcone Events
Hair + makeup - Becky Grimman Makeup
Bridal gown - Martina Liana purchased at With Love Bridal Boutique
Grooms Tuxedo - Tom's Place
Men's Ties - Ben Sherman purchased at Hudson Bay
Reception band - Hot Wax Meltdown
DJ - DJ Fawn Big Canoe
Cake and Cupcakes - Hungry Vegan