Fernwood Hills is such a gorgeous venue. Though the beauty of it all faded away as soon as Amanda and Luke were in front of the camera. The love they have for one another is the kind that, even as a wedding photographer, is so rare to see. I loved every second of capturing the magic of their wedding day!
Were you nervous, or calm and excited while getting ready?
Amanda: I was excited while getting ready in the morning (once the iced coffee kicked in)! I was so happy to be surrounded by my closest friends, and to be able to share in special moments with them while getting ready! I did start to get a little nervous once my lovely photographer and videographer arrived at the venue as everything started to get more “real.”
How did your bridal party/family help you in the beginning of the day?
Amanda: My amazing Maid of Honour picked me up at what seemed like the crack of dawn (approx. 5:50 am, yikes!) and we met the rest of the bridal party at the venue. My bridesmaids brought my favourite iced coffee treat and made sure there was a beautiful charcuterie spread for us to snack on throughout the day. They made our ‘getting ready’ morning SO much fun. We played music, had great chats and just enjoyed being together on such a special day. My mom came to the venue early to see everyone. She helped me get into my wedding gown and was the first person to see me ready. It was a very special moment, with all the tears of joy! My friends and family kept me calm, cool and collected!
Did you do a first look at Fernwood Hills? If so, what was that moment like?
Amanda: We did a first look and it was pure magic. I know it is not the most traditional way to start the wedding day, but personally, I loved being able to have that moment with just my future husband and I, on what was going to be a very busy day.
Let me paint the picture: he was looking all handsome standing in the forest on a wooden bridge awaiting for a tap on the shoulder. I got butterflies while walking up to him and asked him to turn around by saying something along the lines of, “Hey you sexy beast, turn around” (if you know me, you know this is typical). He will tell you that he could hear me before he could see me as my dress was swishing and giving me away. It was such a beautiful and private moment to be able to watch him light up when he saw me for the first time. We shared a big hug, kiss and probably some butt smacks knowing us! On a more practical note, this allowed us to take some couples photos with Sandra prior to the ceremony, which significantly cut down on photo-taking time after the ceremony (AKA we got to enjoy our guests longer as we arrived at the cocktail hour sooner as we weren’t taking too many photos after the ceremony).
What were your thoughts when you first saw each other?
What moments of your day will you never forget?
Amanda: I will never forget the way I felt when Luke and I met on the bridge for our first look, it felt like time stopped and we got to enjoy a special moment just for us. I will also never forget the beautiful speeches given by our family and friends, or dancing the night away under the stars!
How did you feel when you walked down the aisle?
Amanda: When I walked down the aisle, I was feeling extremely excited/happy to finally be marrying my best friend and partner in crime. My mom and I were walking together hand-in-hand under an umbrella, it was such a special moment to have her “give me away” to Luke! I couldn’t stop smiling and seeing Luke and all our friends and family as I made my way down the aisle was priceless.
What are you looking forward to the most about being married?
I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with the man who makes me smile each and every day and balances me perfectly. I am excited to travel, make memories and just enjoy the next chapter in our lives together as a team!
What advice would you give to a newly engaged couple?
The advice I would give to any newly engaged couple is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Will everything go absolutely perfect on your wedding day? The truth is, probably not, but did you still get to marry your favourite person in the world? Yes. Keep the focus on what is important and let the little details go! Your guests are not going to notice if the cake topper isn’t straight, they are going to remember the smiles, laughter and memories made on your big day!
Did you whisper anything sweet in each others ears during the first dance?
Amanda: During our first dance, Luke told me how beautiful I looked in between whispering “quick, quick, slow, quick, quick, slow” to keep me from tripping over my own feet and my large dress as we danced. We practiced our dance moves in the kitchen each night (twerking is more my style), but he knew I needed all the help I could get. He tossed in a few twirls and spins as well. Who knew that I married a dancing machine?
How excited were you for the food at the reception? What did you eat?
Amanda: Luke and I were both VERY excited for the food at the reception. Our caterer (Sticky Pudding) was amazing and provided a delicious meal for us and our guests. We did a 3 course plated meal, starting with Caesar salad. Next, we had stuffed chicken and or beef tenderloin with seasonal vegetables and cheesy mashed potatoes. Lastly, we had chocolate cake and or strawberry Creme Brulee for dessert.
What did you love about your vendors?
Amanda: I LOVED working with our photographer, Sandra, from beginning to end! The entire process from booking, planning and executing the day was flawless. The online questionnaires and zoom meetings ensured all the details of the day were covered with what we were hoping to capture! The pictures are beautiful and will give us memories to last a lifetime. The rest of our vendors were incredibly professional from the DJ who kept us dancing all night to the videographer who worked with us to capture the day as well!
What are your honeymoon plans?
Amanda: Luke and I spent 10 days in British Columbia exploring and going on adventures together. We hiked, kayaked and enjoyed spending some uninterrupted time together as husband and wife.
Vendor Love
Ceremony Venue: Fernwood Hills
Officiant: HD Officiants
Flowers: Harris Flower Farm
Wedding Gown: Once Upon A Time Weddings
Hair: Caitlyn Marriott
Makeup: London Makeup Artistry
Suits: Moore’s
Catering: Sticky Pudding
Baker: Grandma’s Oven Bakery
DJ: DJ Alpha Productions
Videography: Nick Charlebois
leave a comment